Drug sensitization

Drug Sensitization

Drug sensitization is a phenomenon in which a person's response to a specific drug increases with repeated use. This is contrary to drug tolerance, where the response decreases with repeated use. Drug sensitization is often associated with addiction and substance abuse, and is a critical aspect of the neurobiology of addiction.

Mechanism

The mechanism of drug sensitization involves changes in the brain's neurotransmitter systems. When a drug is repeatedly used, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug by altering the sensitivity of the neurotransmitter receptors. This can result in an increased response to the drug, even at the same dose. The exact mechanisms of drug sensitization are still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in gene expression and protein synthesis in the brain.

Clinical Significance

Drug sensitization has significant clinical implications, particularly in the field of psychiatry and addiction medicine. It is believed to play a role in the development of addiction, as the increased response to a drug can lead to increased drug-seeking behavior. Drug sensitization can also contribute to the severity of withdrawal symptoms when the drug use is discontinued.

In addition, drug sensitization can have implications for the treatment of various mental disorders. For example, it can affect the efficacy of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications, as these drugs often work by modulating neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

Research

Research into drug sensitization is ongoing, with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms involved and developing more effective treatments for addiction and other mental disorders. This research is often conducted using animal models, as well as neuroimaging techniques to study changes in the brain.

See Also

• Drug tolerance
• Neurobiology of addiction
• Neurotransmitter
• Withdrawal (medicine)

References

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