What is potentiaton?

[Depressicaa]

I'm curious if there is a definitional of potentiation. What is it? Does the meaning tend to indicate where it does something to the dosage (such as increase of bioactivity) or acts upon the same receptors (such as drinking with benzos) or acts with a synergistic product (maybe taking a Benzedrox with your Adderall) or maybe just increases the effects (would you consider smoking more weed potentation though)?

Your thoughts please!

 

[TheAzo]

It means that the combined effect of two or more drugs results in the primary effects of one or both drugs being heightened beyond what would be expected from simple addition of the effects of the drugs.

It is a phenomenological term, not a mechanistic term, and presupposes nothing about why the combined effect is stronger (be it a psychological effect like how weed potentiates many psychedelics, or a mechanistic effect, like benzos + drinking, or something that changes the bioavailability or metabolism).

Two drugs for which the effects simply add to eachother, however, would not be termed potentiation, nor would two drugs that are just particularly enjoyable together.

 

[John_Burrows]

It's when the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Like when combining chocolate and peanut butter, for instance.

 

[bronson]

More or less when one substance works synergisticly with another. In some cases, this could make the overall effect feel stronger, for example booze and benzos. In other cases the relative strength remains the same, but the duration of effect might be extended, for example grapefruit and benzos.

 

[iameatingjam]

to make stronger

 

[DHCuser]

Like when combining chocolate and peanut butter, for instance.

Best. Explanation. Ever.

 

[Unbreakable]

I use Gabapentin and it works well for me.....

For opiates & benzos

 

[K'd-OUT-in-AZ]

Potentiation. When one thing increases the effects of another thing.