MANDRAX (QUAALUDE)
History, Effects, and Medical Risks
Mandrax, also known as Quaalude or methaqualone, is a sedative-hypnotic drug that was originally developed in the 1950s. It was prescribed in several countries to treat insomnia and anxiety, and occasionally used as a muscle relaxant.
Although once widely used, Mandrax/Quaalude was later discontinued due to high potential for abuse, addiction, and severe side effects, and is now classified as a controlled substance in most countries.
HISTORICAL MEDICAL USES
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Treatment of insomnia in adults
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Short-term management of anxiety or tension
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Sometimes prescribed as a muscle relaxant
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Occasionally used to aid sedation during medical procedures
Despite these applications, safer alternatives such as benzodiazepines eventually replaced Mandrax in medical practice.
PHARMACOLOGY
Mandrax is a sedative-hypnotic that works by:
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Enhancing the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain
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Reducing neural excitability
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Producing relaxation, drowsiness, and sedation
It is long-acting compared to some modern sedatives, which contributed to its overdose risk when misused.
EFFECTS ON THE BODY
Mandrax/Quaalude can cause:
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Drowsiness and sedation
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Muscle relaxation
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Slowed breathing and heart rate at higher doses
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Impaired coordination and cognitive function
While effective at reducing anxiety or inducing sleep, these effects also increase the risk of accidents, dependency, and overdose.
RISKS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
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High potential for abuse and addiction
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Overdose can cause respiratory depression, coma, or death
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Withdrawal can lead to anxiety, tremors, and insomnia
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Interaction with alcohol or other depressants greatly increases risk
Due to these risks, Mandrax/Quaalude was removed from most pharmaceutical markets in the 1980s and 1990s.
REGULATORY HISTORY
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Developed in the 1950s as a prescription sedative
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Widely used in the 1960s and 1970s
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Controlled and discontinued in most countries due to abuse potential
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Now classified as a Schedule I or Schedule IV controlled substance depending on the country
LEGACY AND CULTURAL IMPACT
Mandrax/Quaalude gained notoriety as a recreational drug in the 1970s and 1980s, often referenced in music and pop culture. Its dangerous combination of sedation and euphoria contributed to widespread misuse before stricter regulations were implemented.
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