methaqualone

Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic drug that was initially developed in the 1960s as a non-addictive alternative to barbiturates. It was marketed under brand names such as Quaalude, Sopor, and Mandrax, primarily for the short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Structurally, methaqualone belongs to the class of quinazolinone derivatives and acts primarily by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, leading to sedation and muscle relaxation.

Due to its potential for abuse and dependence, methaqualone was classified as a controlled substance in many countries by the late 1970s and early 1980s. In the United States, it was scheduled as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in 1984, indicating a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. Similar restrictions were implemented in other nations, including Canada, Australia, and several European countries.

The drug was commonly abused recreationally for its euphoric and dissociative effects, particularly in nightclub and party settings during the 1970s and 1980s. Overdoses can lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, or death, especially when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Long-term use may result in tolerance, psychological dependence, and withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and tremors upon cessation.

Despite its restricted status, methaqualone continues to appear in illicit drug markets, sometimes mixed with other substances or sold as a counterfeit version of prescription medications. Its medical use has largely been discontinued, though it remains a subject of historical interest in pharmacology and substance abuse research.