For individuals reliant on a particular drug to alleviate discomfort or pain, the initial relief can be nothing short of miraculous. But as time passes, a change occurs – the drug appears to lose its effectiveness. So, what exactly is occurring in this situation? This is where the concept of drug tolerance comes into play. If you think your body has developed drug tolerance, this article is for you. We spoke to our expert Dr Hari Kishan, Senior General Physician, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, who explained drug tolerance and its consequences on your body.
The Science Behind Drug Tolerance: Body's Adaptive Responses
According to a review conducted by Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, tolerance entails the active adaptation or adjustments to the disruptions in function caused by the drug, occurring either within cells or within a neural system.
Dr Kishan emphasises that drug tolerance refers to the diminishing responsiveness of the body to a drug's effects over time. “This phenomenon is a result of the body's natural adaptive processes to maintain equilibrium, known as homeostasis”, said Dr Kishan.
“When you introduce a drug into your system, your body often tries to counteract its effects, leading to reduced responsiveness to the drug's actions. As a consequence, individuals might find that they need higher doses of a drug to achieve the same desired effect or relief that they experienced initially”, added Dr Kishan.
Also Read: Self-Medication: Expert Explains Why You Should Avoid It
Consequences of Drug Tolerance: Varied Implications in Different Contexts
“The development of drug tolerance is a multifaceted process influenced by factors, such as the type of drug, frequency of use, dosage, and an individual's unique physiology. The consequences of drug tolerance can vary significantly depending on the context”, highlighted Dr Kishan.
He added, “In medicinal use, it may challenge treatment efficacy, necessitating higher doses with potential side effects or limiting therapeutic options. In the context of recreational or illicit drug use, tolerance can lead to escalating consumption in pursuit of diminishing euphoric effects, resulting in health risks, addiction, and legal issues.”
Also Read: Do You Take Painkillers Everyday? Expert Lists Side Effects And Risk Factors
Navigating Drug Tolerance: The Importance of Timely Intervention
“The issue of safety becomes paramount with certain drugs like opioids and sedatives, where increasing tolerance can lead to potentially fatal overdoses. Furthermore, tolerance can exert a significant toll on mental health, inducing anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments, further complicating the cycle of substance use”, said Dr Kishan.
Additionally, Dr Kishan underscores that intensified drug use to combat tolerance can strain one's financial resources, relationships, and social connections. This can eventually drive individuals to engage in illegal activities to obtain drugs, thereby inviting legal consequences and emotional distress.
Bottomline
Dr Kishan concluded, “In general, developing tolerance to a drug can be a sign that the drug is no longer as effective as it once was, and it may necessitate a reevaluation of your treatment plan. It's essential to address drug tolerance in a responsible and timely manner. Additionally, be aware that some drugs can have withdrawal symptoms or other adverse effects if you suddenly stop using them, so it's important to manage any changes in drug use under medical supervision when necessary.”
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any complications in your medications.]