Quaaludes are a synthetic drug that suppresses central nervous system (CNS) activity. While quaaludes were once very popular, they are no longer available as a prescription. Legal drug manufacturers do not produce them in the United States.

However, these dangerous, addictive drugs are still available from illegal labs in Mexico and other countries. People can still find and abuse quaaludes, even though the drugs have been illegal since the 1980s.

This article will explore what quaaludes are and their risks.

• The history of quaalude use in the United States
• Brand names and street names for quaaludes
• The side effects of quaalude abuse
• The risk of quaalude addiction
• Recognizing and treating addiction
• Find addiction treatment now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Learn more about quaalude abuse or explore your treatment options by contacting the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists.

An Overview of Quaalude Use in the United States

Quaaludes are a synthetic drug that has a sedative effect on the central nervous system (CNS). These drugs were first synthesized in India. Over time, they became the most commonly prescribed sedative medication in the US from the 1960s until the 80s. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) made them illegal in the 1980s, and legal laboratories stopped making the drug.

The active ingredient in quaaludes is methaqualone. Methaqualone can reduce anxiety, acts as a muscle relaxer, and has euphoric effects. Initially, doctors advised people to use this drug as an alternative to addictive barbiturates. However, they later discovered that quaaludes have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Today, finding legally-produced quaaludes in the United States is impossible. However, laboratories in Mexico, South Africa, and other countries still produce quaaludes. These foreign drugs show up on the street in the United States, where users find and abuse them.

Brand Names and Street Names for Quaaludes

Today, illicit quaaludes are available for sale on the street from illegal dealers. This drug comes in the form of a white tablet imprinted with the number 714.

There are several brand names of quaaludes, including:

• Cateudil
• Dormutil
• Hyminal
• Isonox
• Melsed
• Melsedin
• Mequelone
• Mequon
• Methadorm
• Mozambin
• Optimil
• Parest
• Renoval
• Somnafac
• Toquilone Compositum
• Triador
• Tuazole

Common slang terms for quaaludes include:

• Bandits
• Beiruts
• Blou Bulle
• Disco Biscuits
• Ewings
• Flamingos
• Flowers
• Genuines
• Lemmon 714
• Lemons
• Lennons
• Lovers
• Ludes
• Mandies
• Qua
• Quack
• Quad
• Randy Mandies
• 714
• Soaper
• Sopes
• Sporos
• Vitamin Q
• Wagon Wheels

Knowing common terms for this dangerous, illicit drug can help you to identify quaalude abuse and seek treatment.

The Side Effects of Quaalude Abuse

Quaaludes are dangerously addictive drugs. The potency and high risk of addiction make quaalude abuse potentially life-threatening. When they were first available, people used this drug under strict medical supervision.

Over time, people began to abuse them and develop addiction. This caused medical experts to reconsider prescribing them. Now, quaaludes are an illegal drug with no known safe dosage.

It is essential to recognize the side effects and risks of quaalude abuse. Quaaludes are a central nervous system depressant that can cause life-threatening complications. Seek treatment if you abuse quaaludes or other sedatives.

Potential side effects of quaaludes include:

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Tingling sensations in the limbs
• Respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing)
• Slow heart rate
• Fatigue
• Abdominal cramping
• Rashes or itching
• Fatigue
• Seizures
• Loss of muscle control
• Impaired judgment

People who abuse quaaludes are at increased risk of car accidents and other injuries from falls. This drug has a high addiction risk. Repeated use can lead to physical dependence or addiction.

Recognizing and Treating Addiction

Recognizing the signs of quaalude addiction is the first step toward getting life-saving treatment. Although quaaludes are illegal in the United States, people can still access them through unlawful drug dealers.

The sedative and euphoric effects of quaaludes can make people want to take higher doses. People may become addicted to quaaludes after heavy or repeated use.

Some signs of addiction include:

• Needing to take higher doses to get the same effects
• Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using a drug
• Experiencing cravings for a drug
• Having withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop taking a drug
• Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships because of your drug use
• Taking risks while using a drug, like driving or having unsafe sex
• Having legal, social, or financial troubles related to your drug use
• Wanting to stop but finding that it is very challenging to quit on your own

These signs can indicate that someone needs treatment and support to stop using quaaludes or other drugs safely. Comprehensive addiction treatment plans include mental health treatment, medications, education, and other therapies to help people address the roots of their substance use.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love abuses quaaludes or other substances, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to explore our addiction treatment and recovery support programs.

References:

1. Springer Nature: Structural insights into GABAA receptor potentiation by Quaalude
2. Science Direct: Methaqualone
3. JAMA Psychiatry: Nonmedical Use of Methaqualone
4. Sage Journals: Return of the Quaaludes? Prolonged Agitated Delirium after Intentional Ingestion of the Methaqualone Analog SL-164 – a Case Report