If you’re struggling with Quaaludes addiction or know someone who regularly uses methaqualone in any of its forms (Quaaludes, Mandrax, Ludes, etc.), it’s important that you understand how dangerous this drug can be.
Methaqualone is a powerful sedative that is highly addictive, and it only gets worse with time. It can even result in dependence, coma, or death.
If you’re curious about the side effects, legality, and history of this drug, read our complete guide to methaqualone below.

What is a Quaalude Drug
Methaqualone (Quaaludes) is a sedative-hypnotic drug that affects the central nervous system and produces feelings of drowsiness. The drug’s effects are similar to those of barbiturates (a class of central nervous system depressants), although they are unrelated pharmacologically.
It is thought that Methaqualone is a selective GABAAR modulator. According to one study published in the National Library of Medicine in August 2015 by Hammer, Harriet, et. al., entitled A Multifaceted GABAA Receptor Modulator: Functional Properties and Mechanism of Action of the Sedative-Hypnotic and Recreational Drug Methaqualone (Quaalude), “The negligible activities displayed by methaqualone at numerous neurotransmitter receptors and transporters in an elaborate screening for the additional putative central nervous system (CNS) targets suggest that it is a selective GABAAR modulator.“
NOTE: Quaalude was just one of the brand names for methaqualone. Methaqualone is the name of the active ingredient, and Quaalude is the name it was marketed under.
Before we move on to their side effects and current legality, let’s cover some of the history behind them. It’s actually fascinating.
Quaaludes were a popular recreational drug during the 70s and 80s due to their sedative effects. In fact, they were so popular in discos that they were called “disco biscuits”. Lower doses (recreational use) resulted in light sedation, which allowed people to relax when out late partying.
They were originally marketed as a “safe alternative” to barbiturates for sleep. It turns out that was not true at all. Methaqualone is highly addictive, and this high potential for abuse led to a crackdown by the Drug Enforcement Administration (also known as the Drug Enforcement Agency). President Reagan eventually banned them in 1984.
Did You Know?: The brand name “Quaalude” was sold to the Lemmon Company, which stamped a 714 on each tablet. That’s why they’re called “Lemmon 714 pills” or just “Lemmons”.
What Are the Effects of Quaaludes?
Quaalude effects include drowsiness, a lower heart rate, and slower breathing. They have the same effects as other CNS depressants, and people used to take them because they “chilled you out“.
They make you feel soothed and relaxed by reducing your blood pressure, slowing your breathing, and making you a bit sleepy (remember, they were marketed as a safe way to induce sleep…although this is not the case).
Other Quaalude effects include:
- Relaxed muscles
- Euphoria
- Numbness
- Increased Libido
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Quaaludes?
There are a range of dangerous side effects of taking Quaaludes, especially at higher doses. For one, Quaalude users have to force themselves to stay away because the drug is a sedative. Once the drowsiness has subsided, the user will feel a dissociative high. If you’ve ever stayed out for days on end while partying, you know this feeling all too well.
Users claim that methaqualone side effects cause a loss of inhibitions, a sense of well-being, and an altogether euphoric and mellow high. However, there are fairly common unwanted side effects that methaqualone users may experience.
The negative side effects of Quaaludes include:
At high doses, methaqualone can result in loss of muscle control and can even be lethal.
Can You Overdose on Methaqualone?
Yes, you can overdose on methaqualone. Quaaludes are an extremely dangerous drug with the potential to be lethal.
New users can OD on as little as 300 milligrammes, but users who’ve developed a tolerance have been known to ingest much more.
One study called “Treatment of Methaqualone overdose with resin hemoperfusion” published in the National Library of Medicine in 1981 by Baggish, D., et. al., reported that one patient went into a coma after ingesting at least 4,500 milligrammes (30-40 150mg tablets) but survived.
If you’re with someone who you think has OD’d on methaqualone, get help immediately.
Some methaqualone overdose symptoms include:
- Convulsions
- Muscle tension
- Hyperreflexia
- Delirium
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Respiratory arrest
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
NOTE: Be extra careful when taking Quaaludes if you’re out partying. It can be lethal in smaller doses if mixed with alcohol.
What Are Quaalude Withdrawal Symptoms?
Quaalude withdrawals can be tough for people who’ve been using the drug regularly since the body gets used to it over time. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe reactions, depending on usage history and dosage.
A few common Quaalude withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Muscle cramps and tremors
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures in severe cases
- Rapid heart rate or increased blood pressure
Withdrawal should be managed under medical supervision to ensure safety and support.
Use of Quaaludes
Quaaludes typically come in a tablet or capsule form and are usually taken orally. It is completely tasteless and odourless and is relatively inexpensive.
However, in certain areas, it is crushed and mixed with marijuana and then smoked. Some heavy abusers will liquefy it and inject it into their veins.
Names that methaqualone is sold under include:
Street Names:
Overdosing on methaqualone can be fatal, especially when it is combined with other medications or alcohol.
Are Quaaludes Addictive?
Yes, Quaaludes are incredibly addictive.
If someone uses them frequently, their tolerance can build up quickly. Sometimes in just a few days. This means they need more and more of the drug to feel the same effects, which can lead to physical dependence before they even realise it.
There’s also something called cross-tolerance. If they’re using other sedatives at the same time, they’ll build a tolerance to those drugs too, which can make things even riskier.
What’s especially dangerous is that tolerance to the “high” from methaqualone develops faster than tolerance to its effects on breathing. This makes overdosing much easier since users might take more to chase the high without realising the danger. In just two weeks, someone could go from using casually to being physically addicted.
Are Quaaludes Still Made?
No, domestic production of the drug ended in the mid-80s, though Quaaludes can still be found in many areas of the world. There are a large number of illegal users in South Africa and some nations in Asia.
Quaaludes are a Schedule 1 drug according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. This means they have no accepted medical usage and are extremely dangerous due to their high abuse potential. They are not available for medical use in the United States and most other countries.
However, there are illegal laboratories producing methaqualone for the black market, and it can be found in many areas of the world.
Treatment for Physical Dependence on Quaaludes at The Cabin
Quaaludes are an extremely dangerous drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to methaqualone or other drugs, it’s imperative that you get help immediately.
We are one of Asia’s leading luxury rehabilitation clinics, and we’ve treated addicts from the US, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, and many other parts of the world for methaqualone addiction as well as addiction to other drugs like benzodiazepines (e.g, Valium).
Here, you can break free from the chains of addiction at a luxury location nestled in the hills of Northern Thailand. During the day, you can learn Muay Thai, practice meditation, and attend therapy, all in one of the most beautiful locations in the world…all at a fraction of the price you’d pay in the Western World.
Even if you can’t attend our rehab centre, please contact us if you’re struggling. We CAN help you in some way, even if it’s finding you treatment elsewhere.
Don’t worry, there’s hope. Please contact us immediately for your free evaluation. Get help before it’s too late.