What Happens When You Increase Your Wegovy Dose: Navigating Your Personalized Path to Wellness

Introduction

The journey to sustainable weight management often feels like navigating a complex maze, filled with unexpected turns and challenging moments. Many individuals find themselves seeking effective solutions, and medications like Wegovy® have emerged as powerful allies in this quest. However, embarking on a new treatment often brings questions, particularly about the titration schedule – the gradual increase in medication dosage over time. What truly happens when you increase your Wegovy dose, and how does this process unfold for each unique individual?

At TrimRx, we understand these questions. Our journey began with a shared vision to help individuals embrace healthier lifestyles by merging cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions. We believe that sustainable weight loss should be achieved through science, empathy, and a transparent approach, offering compassionate care that respects every individual’s unique journey. This post aims to demystify the process of Wegovy® dose escalation, providing clarity on its purpose, the expected outcomes, potential challenges, and how a personalized, medically supervised approach can optimize your experience.

We will explore the clinical evidence demonstrating how different doses impact weight loss, delve into the common side effects associated with increasing your Wegovy dose, and discuss the individual factors that shape your response to treatment. Our goal is to equip you with comprehensive insights, helping you understand how to collaborate effectively with your healthcare provider to find your optimal path. By the end of this guide, you will have a clearer picture of what to expect, how to manage the journey, and how TrimRx supports you every step of the way in achieving your health goals.

The Science Behind Semaglutide and Dose Escalation

Understanding what happens when you increase your Wegovy dose begins with grasping the fundamental science behind semaglutide, its active ingredient. This medication is a powerful tool in modern weight management, and its effectiveness is rooted in its sophisticated mechanism of action.

How GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Work

Wegovy® belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1, or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, is a natural hormone produced in your gut that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and blood sugar. Semaglutide mimics the action of this natural hormone, leading to several beneficial effects:

• Reduced Hunger: It acts on receptors in the brain to signal fullness and satiety, significantly reducing “food noise” or constant thoughts about food.
• Delayed Gastric Emptying: It slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing overall food intake.
• Improved Blood Sugar Control: While primarily for weight loss at the Wegovy® dose, semaglutide also helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release when blood glucose levels are high and suppressing glucagon secretion.

As you increase your Wegovy dose, you are essentially increasing the amount of this active drug circulating in your bloodstream. This typically leads to a more pronounced impact on these physiological processes. Higher concentrations of semaglutide mean a stronger influence on appetite regulation and gastric emptying, which in turn can contribute to greater weight loss. However, it’s important to recognize that the body’s receptors can become partially saturated at certain doses, meaning doubling the dose doesn’t always double the effect. This nuance is central to understanding the typical dose-response relationship.

The Titration Schedule: A Carefully Designed Path

The standard approach to initiating Wegovy® involves a carefully structured titration schedule. This means starting with a very low dose, typically 0.25 mg once weekly, and gradually increasing it over several weeks or months until a maintenance dose is reached. For Wegovy®, the target maintenance dose is 2.4 mg once weekly, though individual paths may vary.

The primary purpose of this gradual dose escalation is twofold:

• Minimize Side Effects: Introducing the medication slowly allows your body ample time to adjust, significantly reducing the likelihood and severity of common gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. A rapid increase can overwhelm your system, leading to uncomfortable and potentially disruptive symptoms.
• Improve Adherence and Tolerability: By making the experience more comfortable, gradual titration helps individuals adhere to their treatment plan more consistently. It builds confidence in the medication and allows for adjustments if tolerability becomes an issue.

At TrimRx, our commitment to your safety and comfort is paramount. We understand that each individual’s body responds differently. Our medically supervised care ensures that your titration schedule is managed with precision and empathy, focusing on your well-being throughout the process. Our platform is a user-friendly and supportive space where individuals receive personalized, medically supervised care, all designed to make sustainable weight loss attainable and tailored to the individual. We partner with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the shipping of weight loss medications, ensuring that you receive high-quality products. To see if you qualify for a personalized prescription plan, we encourage you to take our free assessment quiz today.

Weight Loss Outcomes Across Different Doses

When you increase your Wegovy dose, one of the most pressing questions is naturally about the impact on weight loss. Clinical trials provide valuable insights into the relationship between dose and efficacy, revealing a nuanced picture of how results can vary.

Clinical Evidence: Dose-Response Relationship

Research consistently demonstrates that higher doses of semaglutide generally lead to greater average weight loss. The landmark STEP 1 trial studied nearly 2,000 adults without diabetes taking Wegovy® and found an average weight loss of approximately 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks at the 2.4 mg maintenance dose, compared to 2.4% for placebo.

However, this doesn’t fully capture the impact of lower doses. Insights from the SUSTAIN trials for Ozempic® (which contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and available in lower doses than Wegovy®) offer a clearer view of the dose-response relationship:

• 0.25 mg: Typically associated with 3-4% average weight loss over 52 weeks.
• 0.5 mg: Often results in 4-7% average weight loss.
• 1 mg: Shows average weight loss in the range of 6-10%.
• 2.4 mg (Wegovy®): Demonstrates average weight loss of 9-15% over 52 weeks in these trials (or 14.9% over 68 weeks in the STEP 1 trial).

A 2022 study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism further elaborated on this, observing that while each dose increase yielded additional weight loss, the incremental benefit tended to diminish at the highest doses. The most significant improvements in weight loss often occurred when increasing from 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg and from 0.5 mg to 1 mg. The jump from 1 mg to the 2.4 mg maintenance dose for Wegovy® added an approximate 5-6% more weight loss for most participants.

What does this mean for your journey? It suggests that while higher doses aim for maximal weight loss, many individuals achieve substantial and meaningful results at lower or intermediate doses, especially when combined with consistent healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Our personalized approach at TrimRx emphasizes finding the “sweet spot” that maximizes effectiveness while minimizing discomfort, tailored specifically for you. This commitment to individualized care is a cornerstone of our service, which includes comprehensive doctor consultations, necessary lab work, and unlimited support.

Beyond the Standard: Exploring Higher Potentials

The field of weight management research is continuously evolving, always seeking new ways to optimize treatment. Recent studies have begun exploring the potential of semaglutide doses beyond the currently approved 2.4 mg for Wegovy®. For instance, a recent study, the STEP UP trial, investigated a higher dose of 7.2 mg semaglutide once weekly. The preliminary results from this research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s annual scientific meeting in June 2025 showed that participants on the 7.2 mg dose lost an average of 18.7% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks, with a third losing over 25%. This was significantly more than the 15% average weight loss observed at the 2.4 mg dose.

While these findings are promising and highlight the ongoing innovation in this space, it’s crucial to understand that 7.2 mg semaglutide is not currently an FDA-approved dose for weight management. Such research signals potential future developments, but for now, treatment protocols adhere to established and approved dosing schedules. This example underscores our innovative and results-oriented brand personality at TrimRx, as we stay abreast of scientific advancements to offer the most effective and safe solutions possible within current medical guidelines. We offer access to FDA-approved branded medications like Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound®, as well as high-quality compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, all provided through FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies. To learn more about which option might be right for you, we invite you to take our complimentary health assessment.

Navigating Potential Side Effects with Dose Increases

When you increase your Wegovy dose, it’s not uncommon to experience changes in how your body responds, particularly concerning side effects. While the gradual titration schedule is designed to mitigate these, understanding potential reactions and how to manage them is key to a smoother journey.

Common Side Effects and Their Progression

The most frequently reported side effects associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy® are gastrointestinal. These can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach (abdomen) pain
• Upset stomach
• Feeling bloated
• Belching

Clinical trial data indicates a clear correlation between dose and side effect frequency and intensity. For example:

• At 0.25 mg, nausea might affect 16-20% of users, while diarrhea affects 12-15%.
• As the dose increases to 2.4 mg, nausea rates can rise to 38-44%, and diarrhea to 25-30%.

It’s important to note that while side effects generally increase with dose, the relationship isn’t always linear. Many individuals find that these side effects tend to be most pronounced during the initial weeks after a dose increase and often improve within 2-4 weeks as their body adjusts to the new level. Individual tolerability varies significantly; some experience minimal side effects even at higher doses, while others find lower doses more manageable for long-term use. Your personalized response is a critical factor in determining your optimal dose.

Managing Discomfort: Practical Strategies

Proactive management of side effects is crucial for maintaining comfort and adherence. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is paramount, especially if experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, to prevent dehydration, which can lead to further complications like kidney issues.
• Dietary Adjustments: Opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods. Focus on lean proteins and smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones. Avoid fatty, fried, or overly sugary foods, which can exacerbate GI symptoms.
• Timing of Meals: Some individuals find that eating lighter meals before their weekly injection and staying hydrated helps reduce initial side effects.
• Fiber Intake: For constipation, gradually increasing fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with adequate fluids, can be beneficial. Over-the-counter gentle laxatives like Miralax may also be recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Anti-Nausea Medication: If nausea is persistent, your doctor might prescribe anti-nausea medication to help manage the symptoms.

Should side effects become severe, persistent, or significantly impact your quality of life, it is crucial to communicate immediately with your healthcare provider. This collaborative approach is at the heart of TrimRx’s patient-focused care. Our unlimited support ensures that you have access to guidance whenever you need it, helping you navigate these challenges effectively. We are here to support you in finding the right balance between achieving your weight loss goals and maintaining your well-being.

Important Safety Information for Wegovy®

While Wegovy® has proven to be an effective medication, it’s essential to be aware of important safety information. This medication, like all prescription treatments, carries potential risks that you should discuss thoroughly with your healthcare provider.

• Possible Thyroid Tumors, Including Cancer: In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and similar medicines caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. You should not use Wegovy® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): This can be a serious side effect. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain in your stomach area that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting.
• Gallbladder Problems: Wegovy® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones, which may require surgery. Watch for symptoms like pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
• Increased Risk of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): This risk is higher, especially for individuals also taking other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. Your healthcare provider can guide you on recognizing and treating low blood sugar.
• Dehydration Leading to Kidney Problems: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can lead to fluid loss. It’s vital to drink enough fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
• Severe Stomach Problems: Severe stomach issues have been reported. Inform your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or won’t go away.
• Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Wegovy® and get medical help right away if you experience symptoms like swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or a very rapid heartbeat.
• Change in Vision in People with Type 2 Diabetes: Report any changes in vision to your healthcare provider.
• Increased Heart Rate: Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Inform your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding for several minutes.
• Depression or Thoughts of Suicide: Pay close attention to any mental changes, especially sudden shifts in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any new, worsening, or concerning mental changes.
• Food or Liquid Getting into the Lungs During Surgery: Wegovy® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation. Always inform all your healthcare providers that you are taking Wegovy® before any scheduled procedures.

This information is not exhaustive, and you should always discuss your full medical history and any concerns with a healthcare professional. At TrimRx, we prioritize your safety by working with qualified healthcare providers who assess your eligibility and monitor your progress. Our comprehensive service ensures that you receive guidance and support, including doctor consultations and necessary lab work, to navigate your weight loss journey safely. If you are considering prescription weight loss medication, take our free assessment quiz to see if you qualify for a personalized treatment plan.

Individualized Journeys: Factors Influencing Response

While clinical trials provide averages and general trends, it’s essential to remember that individual responses to increasing your Wegovy dose can vary significantly. Your weight loss journey is uniquely yours, shaped by a multitude of personal factors beyond the medication itself.

Genetic and Physiological Variations

Our bodies are intricate systems, and individual differences play a considerable role in how we respond to medications.

• Genetic Predisposition: Research has begun to identify genetic variations that can influence an individual’s response to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some genetic factors might make certain people more sensitive to even low doses of semaglutide, while others may require higher doses to achieve similar effects. Differences in metabolism genes can also affect how quickly the medication is processed and cleared from your body, impacting its sustained effect.
• Starting Weight and BMI: Your baseline weight and body mass index (BMI) can influence both the absolute amount of weight you lose and the percentage of body weight reduction. Individuals with higher starting weights often lose more total kilograms, while those with lower starting BMIs might see smaller absolute losses but still achieve significant percentage changes. For those with a BMI over 35, higher doses might offer greater health benefits.
• Endogenous GLP-1 Production: Some individuals naturally produce more of their own GLP-1 hormone, which could subtly affect how they respond to external GLP-1 mimetics like semaglutide.

These biological nuances underscore why a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss often falls short. At TrimRx, we embrace this complexity by offering a personalized experience. Our platform is designed to consider your unique physiological profile, allowing for tailored plans that acknowledge these inherent variations.

Lifestyle and Adherence: The Cornerstone of Success

Beyond genetics, your daily habits and consistency with treatment are powerful determinants of your success when you increase your Wegovy dose.

• Medication Consistency: Taking your medication consistently as prescribed is paramount. Missing doses can disrupt the steady blood levels of semaglutide, potentially reducing its effectiveness and making side effects more pronounced when you resume. Consistent weekly injections, even at a lower dose, often yield better results than inconsistent use of higher doses.
• Diet Quality: The quality of your diet profoundly influences how well the medication supports your weight loss. Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, especially lean proteins, can enhance satiety and preserve muscle mass. Conversely, a diet high in ultra-processed foods can undermine the medication’s effects, potentially leading to overeating despite reduced appetite.
• Physical Activity: Regular physical activity complements the medication’s effects by improving metabolic health, boosting energy levels, and helping to maintain weight loss long-term. Even moderate activity, when consistent, can enhance your outcomes.

At TrimRx, we believe that sustainable weight loss integrates science with lifestyle changes. While our programs offer powerful prescription medications like Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy® (all available through FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies, pending eligibility), we also emphasize the importance of holistic support. Our commitment to transparent service means we equip you with the knowledge and tools to optimize your lifestyle alongside your treatment. To discover how our personalized approach can align with your unique needs, begin by taking our free assessment quiz.

Finding Your Optimal Dose: A Collaborative Process

The decision to increase your Wegovy dose or to maintain a current level is a dynamic and personalized one, best made in close collaboration with your healthcare provider. There’s no single “right” answer for everyone, as the ideal dose balances maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects.

When to Consider Increasing the Dose

Increasing your Wegovy dose may be a logical next step if you find yourself in certain situations:

• Weight Loss Plateau: If your weight loss has stalled for several weeks at your current dose, moving to a higher dose might help reignite progress.
• Minimal Side Effects: If you’ve tolerated the current dose well with very few or manageable side effects, your body is likely ready for the next increase.
• Higher BMI: For individuals with a significantly higher starting BMI (e.g., over 35), reaching the maximum approved dose may offer greater health benefits and more substantial weight reduction.
• Significant Weight-Related Health Conditions: If you have severe weight-related comorbidities that require rapid improvement, working towards higher doses might be clinically indicated.
• Suboptimal Appetite Control: If the “food noise” or appetite suppression effect begins to wane towards the end of your weekly dosing cycle, a dose increase could provide more consistent control.

Remember, the titration schedule is a guideline, not a rigid rule. The goal is not simply to reach the highest dose, but to find the dose that works best for your body and your goals.

When to Hold Steady or Adjust Down

Conversely, there are valid reasons to pause or even reduce your dose:

• Sustainable Weight Loss: If you are consistently losing weight at a healthy and sustainable rate (e.g., 1-2 pounds per week) on your current dose, there may be no immediate need to increase. Many individuals achieve their target weight or maintain successfully at doses lower than 2.4 mg.
• Significant Side Effects: If side effects are significantly impacting your quality of life, interfering with daily activities, or simply making the treatment unbearable, holding steady or temporarily reducing the dose might be preferable. Your comfort and well-being are paramount.
• Approaching Target Weight: As you get closer to your personal weight loss goal, a lower dose might be sufficient for maintenance, reducing potential side effects and optimizing long-term adherence.
• Long-Term Maintenance: For maintaining weight loss, some individuals find that a lower dose is effective and more tolerable for extended periods.

Always engage in open and honest communication with your healthcare provider about your experience, including both your progress and any side effects. They can help you evaluate whether the additional weight loss benefits at a higher dose outweigh any increased side effect burden.

The TrimRx Approach to Personalized Care

At TrimRx, we are dedicated to providing a personalized weight loss journey that respects your unique needs and responses. We believe in a collaborative model where you are an active participant in your health decisions. Our platform offers a pathway to medically supervised care, including:

• Expert Doctor Consultations: Our affiliated healthcare providers conduct thorough assessments to determine your eligibility and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
• Medically Guided Titration: We emphasize careful and empathetic dose management, allowing your body to adjust comfortably and ensuring that your plan is optimized for both efficacy and tolerability.
• Comprehensive Service: Our approach includes necessary lab work, medication provided through FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies (which could include options like Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, or Wegovy®), unlimited support from our team, and convenient shipping—all with transparency and no hidden fees.

Our brand is empathetic, innovative, and trustworthy, focused on delivering results that align with your individual goals. We merge advanced medical science with modern technology to offer a supportive experience from the comfort of your home. To embark on your personalized weight loss journey and explore prescription medication options, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz today.

Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey with TrimRx Quick-Access Supplements

While prescription medications like Wegovy® are powerful tools for weight loss, we understand that sometimes you need immediate, accessible support for your overall wellness during this journey. At TrimRx, our commitment to personalized care extends to offering high-quality, quick-access supplements designed to complement your efforts. These supplements do not require a quiz and are available for immediate purchase, providing an additional layer of support for your metabolic health and weight management goals.

GLP-1 Daily Support

Our GLP-1 Daily Support supplement is formulated to assist your body’s natural processes. It’s designed to provide nutritional support that can contribute to healthy metabolic function and overall well-being. This supplement includes ingredients chosen for their potential to help maintain balanced blood sugar levels and support a healthy metabolism, factors that are intrinsically linked to effective weight management. Integrating such a supplement into your daily routine can offer a supportive boost, helping you feel your best as you progress.

Weight Loss Boost

For those seeking an additional edge in their weight loss efforts, our Weight Loss Boost supplement is designed with your goals in mind. This carefully crafted blend aims to support key aspects of weight management, such as energy levels and fat metabolism. It can be a valuable addition for individuals looking to enhance their journey with scientifically backed ingredients that work synergistically with healthy lifestyle choices. Whether you are on a prescription medication path or focusing solely on lifestyle, this boost can help you feel more energized and motivated in pursuing your wellness objectives.

These quick-access supplements embody our supportive and results-oriented brand personality, offering accessible ways to fortify your health. They are part of our broader mission to provide comprehensive solutions that cater to various needs and preferences along the weight loss spectrum. Explore these options to enhance your journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

Conclusion

Embarking on a weight loss journey with medications like Wegovy® is a significant step towards improved health and well-being. Understanding what happens when you increase your Wegovy dose is crucial for navigating this path with confidence and clarity. We’ve explored how semaglutide works by mimicking GLP-1, its impact on appetite and satiety, and the careful titration schedule designed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing discomfort.

Clinical evidence consistently shows that while higher doses generally lead to greater weight loss, the most significant incremental benefits often occur at lower to moderate doses. We’ve also delved into the common gastrointestinal side effects that can accompany dose increases and provided practical strategies for managing them. Crucially, we’ve highlighted the individual factors—from genetics and starting weight to lifestyle and medication adherence—that profoundly influence your unique response to treatment.

At TrimRx, our commitment to your health is unwavering. Our journey began with a vision to merge cutting-edge telehealth innovations with effective weight loss solutions, creating a user-friendly and supportive space for personalized, medically supervised care. We believe that sustainable weight loss is achieved through a blend of science, empathy, and transparent support. Our brand is empathetic, innovative, trustworthy, and results-oriented, offering compassionate care and advanced medical science. We partner with FDA-registered and inspected pharmacies for the safe and reliable delivery of prescription medications, including options like Compounded Semaglutide, Oral Semaglutide, Ozempic®, Compounded Tirzepatide, Oral Tirzepatide, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Wegovy®. For those seeking immediate support, our quick-access supplements like GLP-1 Daily Support and Weight Loss Boost are readily available.

Your path to wellness is a personalized journey, and finding your optimal dose is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare provider. We encourage you to listen to your body, communicate openly about your experiences, and embrace the holistic strategies that support your success. If you’re ready to explore how a personalized, medically supervised weight loss program can transform your life, we invite you to take our free assessment quiz today. Together, we can build a healthier, happier future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I stop losing weight if I don’t increase my Wegovy dose?

Not necessarily. Many individuals continue to lose weight or successfully maintain their weight even when they remain at lower or intermediate doses, such as 0.5 mg or 1 mg. While the rate of weight loss might slow down compared to reaching the maximum dose, consistency with your medication and adherence to healthy lifestyle habits are often more critical factors than always aiming for the highest dose.

2. Can I start at a higher Wegovy dose to lose weight faster?

Starting at a higher dose of Wegovy® is not recommended. The gradual titration schedule, beginning at 0.25 mg and increasing every four weeks, is specifically designed to allow your body to adjust to the medication and minimize common side effects, particularly gastrointestinal issues. Skipping doses or escalating too quickly can lead to more severe side effects and may negatively impact your ability to continue treatment. Always follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions.

3. What should I do if I experience severe side effects after increasing my Wegovy dose?

If you experience severe or persistent side effects, such as intractable nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or any other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your situation, offer strategies for managing the side effects, and determine if a temporary dose reduction or a pause in dose escalation is appropriate for your comfort and safety. At TrimRx, our comprehensive service includes unlimited support to address any concerns you may have during your treatment.

4. How long does it typically take to reach the maximum maintenance dose of Wegovy®?

The standard titration schedule for Wegovy® typically takes about 16 weeks to reach the maximum maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly. This involves increasing the dose every four weeks (0.25 mg, then 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and finally 2.4 mg). However, this schedule can be adjusted by your healthcare provider based on your individual tolerability and response to the medication. Some individuals may stay on lower doses for longer periods if they are achieving good results or need more time to adapt to side effects.