Methaqualone
Obsolete sedative–hypnotic drug
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Key Takeaways
- Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic medication that was widely prescribed during the mid-20th century.
- A combination drug known as Mandrax was sold primarily in Europe, containing 250 mg of methaqualone and 20 mg of diphenhydramine in a single tablet.
- Its commercial production was discontinued in many countries during the mid-1980s due to widespread misuse, addiction, and associated public health concerns.
- It gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s for the treatment of insomnia, and as a general sedative and muscle relaxant.
- The drug was classified as pregnancy category D, meaning there was evidence of risk to the human fetus, and it was not recommended during pregnancy.
Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic medication that was widely prescribed during the mid-20th century. It was marketed under various brand names, including Quaalude ( KWAY-lood) and Sopor, typically containing 300 mg of methaqualone per tablet. A combination drug known as Mandrax was sold primarily in Europe, containing 250 mg of methaqualone and 20 mg of diphenhydramine in a single tablet.
Methaqualone belongs to the quinazolinone class of compounds. Its commercial production was discontinued in many countries during the mid-1980s due to widespread misuse, addiction, and associated public health concerns.
Medical use
Methaqualone's sedative-hypnotic properties were first identified in 1955. It gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s for the treatment of insomnia, and as a general sedative and muscle relaxant. However, due to its abuse potential, it was eventually withdrawn from medical use.
The drug was classified as pregnancy category D, meaning there was evidence of risk to the human fetus, and it was not recommended during pregnancy.
Like other GABAergic substances, prolonged use of methaqualone can lead to drug tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
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