Quaalude

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Quaalude

Quaalude (pronounced: kwa-lude) is a sedative and hypnotic medication that was popular in the United States during the 1970s.

Etymology

The term "Quaalude" combines the words "quiet" and "interlude", reflecting the drug's sedative properties. It was originally marketed under the brand name Methaqualone by the pharmaceutical company William H. Rorer Inc.

Usage

Quaaludes were prescribed for insomnia and as a muscle relaxant, but misuse led to widespread addiction and subsequent withdrawal from the market. The drug is now classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Effects

The effects of Quaaludes include relaxation, sleepiness, and sometimes a feeling of euphoria. It can also cause side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, coma or death.

Related Terms

  • Barbiturate: A type of drug that was commonly used as a sleeping aid before the development of safer alternatives like Quaaludes.
  • Benzodiazepine: A class of drugs that includes medications like Valium and Xanax, which are now more commonly prescribed for conditions that Quaaludes were once used to treat.
  • Controlled Substances Act: The U.S. law that classifies drugs into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical usefulness.

External links

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