APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a technique used in determining the optimum dose of a drug needed to produce a desired effect in a particular individual. The dosage may be either gradually increased until a noticeable improvement is observed in the patient or adjusted downward from a level that is obviously excessive because of unwanted adverse effects or toxicity. To avoid unpleasant side effects when starting pharmacotherapy, some drugs must be slowly titrated upward to a therapeutic dose. Likewise, many drugs should be slowly titrated downward upon cessation of therapy both to avoid discontinuation side effects and to monitor for the recurrence of symptoms. See tapering.