A woman requires 4 mg of clonazepam after taking 2 mg for 6 months. This is an example of?

The scenario described, where a woman requires an increased dose of clonazepam after initially responding well to a lower dose over a period of time, illustrates the concept of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when a person's response to a medication diminishes after prolonged use, leading to the need for a higher dose to achieve the same therapeutic effect. This physiological adaptation happens due to various factors, including changes in drug metabolism, receptor sensitivity, or other neurobiological adjustments that the body undergoes with continued exposure to the drug.

In this case, the woman initially benefited from 2 mg of clonazepam, but over six months, her body has adapted to the drug, necessitating an increase to 4 mg to achieve the desired effect. Recognizing tolerance is crucial in clinical settings, as it can impact medication management and patient safety. It is important to monitor patients on long-term medication therapy for signs of tolerance to adjust their treatment plans appropriately.