Methaqualone

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.

Methaqualone Medical use

Methaqualone is a sedative that increases the activity of the GABA receptors in the brain and nervous system, similarly to benzodiazepines and barbiturates. When GABA activity is increased, blood pressure drops and breathing and pulse rates slow, leading to a state of deep relaxation. These properties explain why methaqualone was originally mainly prescribed for insomnia.

Methaqualone powder was not recommended for use while pregnant and is in pregnancy

Quaalude Pharmacology

Methaqualone peaks in the bloodstream within several hours, with a half-life of 20–60 hours. It has a diverse mechanism of action and mainly acts as a GABA_A receptor modulator, leading to increased inhibitory transmission and downstream sedative effects via allosteric modulation and agonism of several GABA_AR subtypes.

Similar to other GABAergic agents, methaqualone will produce tolerance and physical dependence with extended periods of use