All medications lose their effectiveness too quickly

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All my life I've had a problem where medication starts working faster than it does with other people but after 6 months or less it becomes useless. For example; earlier this year I began taking a Beta Blocker (off label) for anxiety. The labelling said it would take between 12 hours to 2 weeks to become effective but my anxiety was gone in 35 minutes. Unfortunately, despite regular increases in dosage, within 4 or 5 months it became like a sugar pill; absolutely useless!

I have heard that some people on the spectrum can have this problem but I don't know what it's called. I'm now 35 and most pain meds (paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin), Benzo's, anti-depressants etc. have irremediably lost their effect. I now limit the amount of codeine I take in the hope I may get a couple of years more use out of it but its effect is on the wane too.

I have 2 questions:

1. Does anyone know what this condition is called?
2. Can anything be done about it?

The condition is your drug tolerance has dramatically increased. Other than seeing a doctor about another medication, I do not have a solution for you. Sorry.

I can relate to this. My anti-depressant medication make me feel like I'm just swallowing very tasteless candy. I'm easing myself off them.

This is a common problem with many psych meds in some people I'm not one of them, fortunately.

O.K. This condition is called Tachyphylaxis. I'm pleased to finally know the name but I wish it would only apply to psych meds rather than across the board as it does with me. Bummer!