Treatment for Methaqualone dependence in adults

Abstract

To date, no randomized controlled trials appear to have been conducted. Consequently, the effectiveness of inpatient versus outpatient treatment, psychosocial treatment versus no treatment, and pharmacological treatments versus placebo for methaqualone abuse or dependence has yet to be established.

A Multifaceted GABAAReceptor Modulator: Functional Properties and Mechanism of Action of the Sedative-Hypnotic and Recreational Drug Methaqualone (Quaalude)

“…However, clinical use of the drug soon revealed that besides giving rise to serious adverse effects, it was highly addictive and induced tolerance and cross-tolerance with other hypnotics. Moreover, concomitantly with its therapeutic use, methaqualone became highly popular as a recreational drug, where it often was consumed in combination with alcohol (known as "luding out") (Falco, 1976;McCarthy et al, 2005;Gass, 2008;Herzberg, 2011). These problems led to the implementation of tighter regulation of the drug, and by the mid1980s, it had been withdrawn from most markets (Carroll and Gallo, 1985;Gass, 2008).…”

“…These problems led to the implementation of tighter regulation of the drug, and by the mid1980s, it had been withdrawn from most markets (Carroll and Gallo, 1985;Gass, 2008). Nevertheless, recreational use of illegally produced methaqualone still constitutes a substantial health problem in some parts of the world (Parry et al, 2004;McCarthy et al, 2005).…”

Substance use and depressive and anxiety symptoms among out-of-school adolescent girls and young women in Cape Town, South Africa

“…Mandrax use as an illicit drug is unique to SA. [31,32] Some research has linked Mandrax to sexual risk. [33] Still, the association with mental health and Mandrax use has not been thoroughly examined.…”

Correlates of Mandrax use and condom beliefs in preventing sexually transmitted infections among a cohort of South African prison inmates

“…26 Within a few minutes of smoking Mandrax, the user usually feels relaxed, calm and peaceful although some may feel aggressive as the effects of the drug start wearing off. 27,28 The effects last for several hours during which the user will have a dry mouth and very little appetite. Some users will have slurred speech, nausea, stomach pains and exhibit red, glazed or puffy eyes, especially if the Mandrax is taken together with cannabis.…”

“…Depression, insomnia, anxiety and irritability, headaches, restlessness and eating problems are also common among users. [26][27][28][29] One study investigating the prevalence of recent drug use among 1050 individuals arrested by the police in South Africa revealed that 45% tested positive for at least one drug (mainly cannabis or Mandrax). 31 Significantly, none of the studies accounted for in the literature investigated Mandrax use among prison inmates or the possibility of it being a contributing factor to STI risk practices among this population.…”