What is a potential outcome of drug tolerance?

Drug tolerance occurs when an individual's response to a medication diminishes over time, leading to a decrease in the drug's therapeutic effects. As tolerance develops, the initial dose that was once effective may no longer provide the same level of relief or impact, necessitating a higher dose to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in chronic pain management, where patients may find that over time, the same medication dose becomes insufficient to manage their symptoms effectively. Hence, to maintain efficacy, healthcare providers often need to adjust the dosage, illustrating how tolerance directly impacts treatment strategies.