Drug toxicity occurs when a person accumulates too much of a prescription drug in their bloodstream, leading to negative effects. Some common causes include over-ingestion of medication (exceeding prescribed amounts), adverse drug reactions (where normal therapeutic doses cause harmful side effects), narrow thresholds between effective and toxic doses, and accumulation of drugs with longer half-lives.
Factors like age, kidney function, and hydration also affect drug clearance. Symptoms vary based on the specific medication but may include mild symptoms (e.g., diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting) or severe symptoms (e.g., ataxia, seizures, heart problems). Chronic toxicity may manifest as slurred speech, tremors, and increased reflexes.