Quaaludes was a common brand name of the drug methaqualone. It was used to treat anxiety and insomnia during the 1960s and ‘70s. Highly addictive and giving a euphoric ‘high’, it became a popular recreational drug before it was banned in the 1980s following widespread misuse.
This article outlines what methaqualone is, how it works, and why it was banned.
- Quaaludes is the brand name for methaqualone, a drug designed to help with insomnia and anxiety.
- Methaqualone is now banned across much of the world. In the US, it is categorized as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it is not available even with a prescription.
- Quaaludes are highly addictive and carry significant potential for dependency and harm.
_-Uses,-Side-Effects,-&-Addiction-Risks.jpg?v=1737970552)
What is methaqualone?
Methaqualone is a hypnotic sedative drug, meaning that it helps to relieve anxiety and induces sleep. It is a CNS depressant which slows down brain activity, relaxes muscles, and lowers blood pressure and pulse rates.[1] It was most known by the brand names Quaaludes and Sopor.
| Brand names for methaqualone |
|---|
| Other brand names include Cateudil, Dormutil, Hyminal, Isonox, Melsed, Melsedin, Mequelone, Mequin, Methadorm, Mozambin, Optimil, Parest, Renoval, Somnafac, Toquilone Compositum, Triador, and Tuazole. |
Methaqualone was also combined with diphenhydramine hydrochloride under the brand name Mandrax. This was popular in the UK and Australia but less common in the US. Both drugs were taken orally in tablet form. Quaaludes tablets contained 300 mg of methaqualone and were stamped with the number 714. Mandrax tablets contained 250 mg of methaqualone and 25 g of diphenhydramine hydrochloride.[2]
Methaqualone was widely used recreationally.
| Street names for quaaludes |
|---|
| It was also known as Disco Biscuits or Lemmon 714. Other common names include: Bandits, Beiruts, Blou Bulle, Disco Biscuits, Ewings, Flamingos, Flowers, Genuines, Lemmon 714, Lemons, Lennons, Lovers, Ludes, Mandies, Qua, Quaaludes, Quack, Quad, Randy Mandies, 714, Soaper, Sopes, Sporos, Vitamin Q, and Wagon Wheels |
How Quaaludes (methaqualone) work
Methaqualone works similarly to benzodiazepines, although it is actually a quinazoline.[5] It binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and nervous system, which have a depressant effect on brain activity.[6] It also slows the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and relaxes muscles.
A single 300mg dose of methaqualone can begin having an effect within 30 minutes and the effects typically last for between 5-8 hours.[7]
History and popularity of Quaaludes
Originally being investigated as a potential new anti-malarial drug, Quaaludes were first synthesized in India in 1951.[3] They came to the US at the start of the '60s as an effective medication to overcome insomnia and anxiety. They were believed to have few side effects, especially when compared with barbiturates, which were the main treatment for these concerns at the time.
Quaaludes became highly popular recreational drugs as a result of the euphoric ‘high’ they induced. They were easily available even after becoming Schedule II drugs in 1973, with clinics prescribing them with minimal supervision.[4] They only fell out of favor after being moved to Schedule I in 1984.
Why quaaludes are no longer prescribed: Addiction & misuse potential
Quaaludes were prohibited due to high rates of addiction and misuse. Tolerance to methaqualone develops quickly. The prescribed dose was 300 mg but individuals who had been taking methaqualone long-term could require up to 2000 mg to achieve the same result.[10]
Methaqualone was also highly addictive and associated with poor decision-making and motor skills. There was widespread concern around the number of fatal road traffic accidents involving the drug.[11]
Another consideration was that other medications are available to treat both anxiety and insomnia which do not have the same euphoric effect. This makes them less likely to be used recreationally and reduces the risk of harm.
Risks and side effects of Quaaludes
Quaaludes were banned because of the risks they pose. They are highly addictive and tolerance develops quickly, meaning that increasing doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
Common side effects of methaqualone include:[7][8]
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Tingling sensation in arms and legs or across the body
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Reduced heart rate
- Slowed breathing
- Erectile dysfunction
- Itching
- Rashes
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
Adverse health risks with methaqualone use
Methaqualone use is associated with serious medical risks. As a CNS depressant, it lowers both blood pressure and heart rate.[9] This can lead to coma and death.
In overdose, methaqualone can cause severe muscle spasms and seizures.[7] It can also cause kidney failure.
Methaqualone was commonly taken with marijuana or alcohol.[7] When combined, these drugs increase the risk of serious harm.
Current status and legal restrictions
Methaqualone was banned by Congress, effective 1984. It is a Schedule I drug and has no accepted medical use. It is illegal to manufacture, possess, or take methaqualone across the US. It is also banned across the world.
Alternatives to methaqualone for anxiety and insomnia
Anxiety and insomnia are common and the first-line treatment is usually not medication. Anyone struggling with these conditions will usually be advised to look at lifestyle factors and psychological therapies before moving on to medication. For insomnia, these lifestyle factors are sometimes known as “sleep hygiene”.
Lifestyle factors that might help anxiety and insomnia include:
- Maintaining a comfortable temperature and reducing ambient light in the bedroom
- Minimizing noise disturbances at night
- Avoiding blue light (such as that from TVs, computers, or mobile phone screens) for at least an hour before bed
- Avoiding large meals or caffeine in the hours before bed
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Increasing exercise earlier in the day
- Reducing stress where possible
Psychological treatments for anxiety and insomnia can also be effective. In some cases, these will target those conditions directly, such as through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
In other instances, anxiety and insomnia can be symptoms of other conditions such as depression or PTSD. Talking therapies aimed at treating those underlying conditions may provide long-term relief from anxiety and insomnia.
Medication to treat insomnia will usually only be prescribed for a short period. It can be used to overcome acute sleeplessness, for example following a bereavement, or to relieve symptoms and support longer-term care.
Benzodiazepines are usually only prescribed for a maximum of 4 weeks, due to their addictive nature.[11] They also become less effective over time as the body builds up a tolerance to the drug.
Another group of drugs, sometimes known as Z-drugs, can be used for up to 6 months.[12] These include zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata).
