Tag: Drug tolerance

Approximately one-third of critically ill patients undergoing prolonged analgosedation experience “difficult sedation,” requiring larger-than-usual medication doses. This phenomenon highlights a complex interplay of genetic, physiological, and psychological factors that influence why sedation does not work for some people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat, killing at least 1.27 million people worldwide in 2019. Understanding **what is it called when medication doesn't work** is crucial, as this phenomenon goes by several technical names and can stem from diverse and complex factors.

Approximately 30-40% of people with epilepsy develop what is known as drug-resistant or medically refractory epilepsy. This condition can sometimes be linked to a phenomenon where your body gets used to seizure medication, a process known as drug tolerance.

Experiencing side effects is a primary reason for not adhering to treatment [1.3.1]. Understanding **how long does it take to adjust to a medication** can help you manage expectations and stick with your prescribed therapy as your body adapts.

According to research, approximately 50% of patients with chronic diseases do not take their medications as prescribed. If you find yourself asking, 'Why is my body not responding to medicine?' the answer is often complex and multi-faceted, involving factors far beyond just forgetting a dose.

It's estimated that more than 98% of people may have a genomic variant that could affect how they respond to commonly prescribed medications, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. This genetic variation, among other factors, is a key reason many individuals ask, “Why am I resistant to medications?” when treatment fails to produce the expected results.

While the idea of the body *rejecting drugs* might conjure images of an organ transplant rejection, the reality in pharmacology is more nuanced. A drug's effectiveness can diminish over time due to several distinct biological and immunological processes, not a single "rejection" event. This article clarifies the science behind these reactions, from developing drug tolerance to experiencing an allergic response.

Research shows that while the body can develop a physiological tolerance to beta-blockers, their clinical effectiveness is often maintained long-term, particularly for serious heart conditions. It's a complex interplay between receptor changes and overall therapeutic benefit that determines if your body will get used to beta-blockers in a way that impacts your health.

Approximately 13% of U.S. adults are prescribed medications that can lead to dependency and tolerance. So, what does tolerance mean in medical terms? It is the diminished response to a drug that results from its repeated use, requiring higher doses to achieve the initial therapeutic or desired effect.

In the United States, over 20 million people aged 12 or older have a substance use disorder, a condition often preceded by drug tolerance. **What does it mean when you tolerate a medication?** It signifies your body's diminished response to a drug after repeated use.