Long term effects: Analgesic tolerance means decreased analgesic effect in long-term opioid treatment and the patient needs higher doses to experience the same effect. Physical dependence is actual change in physiologic response, i.e. If the patient stops the substance, the withdrawal signs will appear. Psychological dependence is some kind of perception which patient feels his well-being is from that substance.
Answered 6/3/2014
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Dependence: Tolerance refers to the body becoming tolerant to a specific medication or dose. A higher dose or different medication is needed to see the same effect. Dependence refers to the body needing a medication for basic function. Without the medication, the body may suffer withdrawals.
Answered 12/7/2012
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17 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
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