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💊intro to pharmacology review

Tolerance development

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Tolerance development refers to the process by which an individual's response to a drug diminishes over time, leading to the need for increased doses to achieve the same effect. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the context of anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics, where repeated use can result in decreased efficacy and increased risk of dependence. Understanding tolerance is crucial for managing dosages and preventing adverse effects associated with these medications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Tolerance can develop quickly with continuous use of benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed anxiolytics and sedatives.
  2. Increased tolerance may lead patients to mistakenly believe they need higher doses, raising the risk of overdose.
  3. Long-term use of sedatives can result in profound tolerance, making them less effective in treating anxiety or sleep disorders.
  4. Patients who develop tolerance may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using their medications.
  5. Strategies to manage tolerance include drug holidays, switching medications, or adjusting dosages under medical supervision.

Review Questions

  • How does tolerance development impact the management of patients using anxiolytics, sedatives, and hypnotics?
    • Tolerance development can significantly complicate patient management by necessitating dose adjustments or changes in therapy. As individuals build tolerance to these drugs, they may require higher doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, which can increase the risk of adverse effects and dependence. Healthcare providers must carefully monitor patients for signs of tolerance and consider alternative treatment strategies to ensure effective and safe long-term management.
  • Discuss the relationship between tolerance development and the risk of dependence on sedative medications.
    • The relationship between tolerance development and dependence is critical in understanding the risks associated with sedative medications. As tolerance builds, individuals may find themselves needing higher doses to attain the same calming or sleep-inducing effects. This escalating use can lead to psychological and physical dependence, where patients feel unable to function without the medication. Recognizing this cycle is essential for healthcare providers to implement appropriate strategies to minimize dependency risks.
  • Evaluate how tolerance development informs prescribing practices for anxiolytics and sedatives in clinical settings.
    • Evaluating tolerance development is vital for informing prescribing practices in clinical settings. Physicians must consider factors such as the duration of therapy and potential for tolerance when determining initial dosages and treatment plans. A deeper understanding of how quickly tolerance can develop allows healthcare professionals to educate patients on proper medication use, establish monitoring protocols, and make informed decisions about whether to initiate therapy with a particular sedative or anxiolytic. By tailoring prescriptions based on this knowledge, clinicians can enhance patient safety and treatment effectiveness.