Quaaludes Overview

Methaqualone is a hypnotic sedative. It was sold under the brand names Quaalude and Sopor among others, which contained 300 mg of methaqualone, and sold as a combination drug under the brand name Mandrax, which contained 250 mg methaqualone and 25 mg diphenhydramine within the same tablet, mostly in Europe

In 1972, Quaaludes were one of the most frequently prescribed sedatives in United States.

In prescribed doses, Quaaludes promotes relaxation, sleepiness and sometimes a feeling of euphoria (happiness, calmness). It causes a drop in blood pressure and slows the pulse rate. These properties are the reason why it was initially thought to be a useful sedative and anxiolytic.

It became a recreational drug due to its euphoric (“high”) effect. Quaaludes were a popular drug of abuse during much of the 1970s, even though both the US and Britain tightened control around their use and dispensing.

Quaaludes dosage

When it was a legal medication, methaqualone was available in tablet and capsule form and came in different strengths.

• Oral methaqualone dosages ranged from 75 to 150 mg for light sedation.
• A commonly prescribed dose was 300 mg. Up to 600 mg was used for strong sedation.
• Tolerance develops rapidly and some users may take up to 2000 mg daily to achieve the same effects.
• Onset of action is approximately 30 minutes after taking methaqualone and duration of action is between 5 to 8 hours.

Overdose

Quaaludes are a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.

• Examples of other CNS depressants include meprobamate, diazepam (Valium) and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
• Overdose of methaqualone can lead to seizures, coma or death.

The range of dangerous doses vary widely. Because these drugs are made in illegal labs, the strength and contents of the actual product may not be known, putting the user at even higher risk.

Taking doses of over 300 mg can be dangerous for first-time users. Quaalude doses of about 8,000 mg per day can be fatal, but depend upon the state of the user’s tolerance.

Death can result at much lower doses if Quaaludes are taken with alcohol (ethanol), which is also a central nervous system depressant. “Luding out” where Quaaludes were taken with wine, became a popular college pastime in the 70’s.