Quaaludes (Methaqualone)

Quaaludes

• Generic name methaqualone
• Names of brands that have common names are: Quaalude, Sopor

Other formal names: Cateudil, Dormutil, Hyminal, Isonox, Melsed, Melsedin, Mequelone, Mequin, Methadorm, Mozambin, Optimil, Parest, Renoval, Somnafac, Toquilone Compositum, Triador, Tuazole.

Street names or common name: Bandits, Beiruts, Blou Bulle, Disco Biscuits, Ewings, Flamingos, Flowers, Genuines, Lemmon 714, Lemons, Lennons, Lovers, Ludes, Mandies, Qua, Quaaludes and Quad Randy Mandies 714 Soaper, Sopes, Sporos, Vitamin Q, Wagon Wheels

What are the Quaaludes?

Quaaludes (methaqualone) is an artificial, barbiturate-like central nervous system depressant. They were is a well-liked use in recreational drugs across the U.S. from the 1960s up to the 1980s when its use was declared unconstitutional under the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Methaqualone, the active ingredient, is an anxiety-reducing (lowers anxiety) and a sedative-hypnotic medication that induces a euphoria-like state.

The drugs engraved on the tablet with the number "714" in the tablets were originally used as a safe barbiturate substitute that could help induce sleep. Still, later, they were discovered to cause withdrawal and addiction symptoms like other prescription drugs.

Quaaludes are not often seen on the streets of the U.S. today, but they are sometimes confiscated when crossing the border.

Quaaludes' history

Quaaludes were synthesized first in India in the 1950s. The drug was first introduced to America in the late 1960s, and by the mid-'60s and into the '70s, it was the most popular recreational drug typically found in discos and often referred to as "disco biscuit".

• The potential for abuse of Quaaludes was soon apparent. In 1973, methaqualone was included in Schedule II in the Controlled Substance Act, making it difficult to prescribe and unlawful to be possessed without the prescription.
• In 1984, Add it into the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Federal Schedule I, so Quaaludes are now not legally readily available within the United States. Schedule I drugs carry an extremely high risk of abuse as they are currently not accepted for medical treatment in the U.S. and lack an acceptable level of safety when used with medical supervision.

Quaaludes sold to be used for illicit recreational purposes currently are being synthesized in illegal laboratories. In addition, Quaaludes produced illegally could be contaminated with other central nervous system stimulants such as benzodiazepines and even fentanyl.

In the 1960s, a combination pill of diphenhydramine and methaqualone was known as Mandrax. Mandrax pills could also contain barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and ephedrine.

Quaaludes and their uses

The year 1972 saw the introduction of Quaaludes, which was among the most commonly prescribed sedatives in the United States.

When taken in the prescribed dosage, the Quaaludes enhances relaxation, sleepiness, and occasionally feelings of euphoria (happiness and peace). It reduces blood pressure and also slows the heart rate. This is why its initial thought is a potent anxiolytic and sedative.

It was a popular recreational drug because of its sensation of euphoria ("high") effects. As a result, Quaaludes became a very popular substance of abuse in the latter half of the 1970s; even though they were a problem for both U.S. and Britain, they increased their use and distribution restrictions.

Quaaludes dosage

As an official medication, methaqualone was sold in capsule and tablet form and was available in various strengths.

• Methaqualone dosages in oral form vary from 75-150 mg for mild sedation.
• A typical dosage is 300 milligrams. As high as 600 mg was prescribed to induce strong sedation.
• Tolerance can develop quickly, and users could take up to 2000 mg daily to attain the same results.
• The time for action is 30 minutes after methaqualone has been taken, and the time of action is between 5 and 8 hours.

Overdose

Quaaludes act as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

• Other examples of CNS depressants are meprobamate diazepam (Valium) and Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
• Methaqualone overdose can cause seizures, coma, or even death.

The dangers of the doses are a wide range. In addition, since these substances are manufactured in illegal laboratories, the strength and composition of the actual product might not be identified, placing the user at a greater risk.

Ingestions of more than 300 mg could be hazardous for people new to the use. Quaalude dosages of around 8000 mg per day could be fatal. However, it depends on the user's tolerance.

Death may occur at smaller doses if Quaaludes are taken in conjunction with alcohol (ethanol) acts as a central nerve system depressant. "Lauding out", in which Quaaludes were taken along with wine, became a popular college activity in the '70s.

Use of Quaaludes during pregnancy and nursing

Quaaludes should not be used during pregnancy since the consequences on the human fetus' development are not fully understood.

There isn't any data available on the effects of Quaaludes during breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Quaaludes should not take together with alcohol or other depressants for the central nervous system. The depressant effects are increased and could cause fatal consequences.

Avoid operating or driving machines when taking Quaaludes.

Quaalude side effects

Common adverse effects of Quaaludes are:

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal cramps
• fatigue
• Itching
• Itchy rashes
• sweating
• dry mouth
• A tingling sensation is felt in the legs and arms
• seizures
• decreased heart rate

Breathing rate slows (respiration).

Quaaludes can cause problems with erectile function and difficulty in achieving orgasms. In addition, in high doses, it may create mental confusion and the loss of control of the muscles (ataxia).

Like many other abused substances, the study observed the Quaaludes sufferers made unwise choices and lacked everyday cognitive abilities under the influence. In addition, the driving abilities of those who used Quaalude were frequently impaired, which led to fatal accidents in the car.

This isn't a complete list of all side effects. Others could be present.

Quaaludes dependency and abuse

The use of Quaaludes can cause addiction of the barbiturate type. It's extremely addictive, and users who regularly use it build up an addiction; that is why they require more doses to attain the same high. This means that Quaalude consumption is risky and increases the risk of overdose or even death. They may also trigger withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those of barbiturates that include:

• insanity
• irritability
• nausea
• vomiting
• weak spots
• headache
• insomnia
• Tremors
• mental confusion
• seizures.