Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Index Of Abused Drugs

*http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx

Elavil Oral

AMITRIPTYLINE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (A-mi-TRIP-ti-leen)
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed
Who should not take this medication?

Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

Conditions:

Epileptic Seizure, Wide-Angle Glaucoma, Closed Angle Glaucoma, Chronic Difficulty having a Bowel Movement, Recent Heart Attack, Very Rapid Heartbeat - Torsades de Pointes, Sinus Tachycardia, Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG, Abnormal Heart Rhythm, Abnormal EKG with QT changes from Birth, Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing, Paralysis of the Intestines, Liver Problems, Enlarged Prostate, Feeling Faint, Cannot Empty Bladder, Overactive Thyroid Gland, Manic Phase of Manic-Depression, Having Thoughts of Suicide, Habit of Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Allergies:

TRICYCLIC COMPOUNDS

Diazepam Oral

DIAZEPAM - ORAL
Pronunciation: (dye-AZ-eh-pam)
Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, acute alcohol withdrawal, and seizures. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms and to provide sedation before medical procedures. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to prevent extremely bad nightmares (night terrors).

How to use Diazepam Oral
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking a liquid form of this medication, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure out the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the oral concentrate solution, use the dropper provided to carefully measure out the dose and mix it in liquid or soft food (e.g., applesauce, pudding) just before taking.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time or for seizure control, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Diazepam Oral is used to treat the following:

Symptoms from Alcohol Withdrawal, Psychosis caused by Sudden Alcohol Withdrawal, Anxious, Muscle Spasm, Inducing of a Relaxed Easy State

Diazepam Oral may also be used to treat:

Panic Disorder, Acute Repetitive Seizures

Darvocet-N 100 Oral

PROPOXYPHENE NAPSYLATE / ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (pro-POX-ee-feen NAP-syl-ate/ah-seet-ah-MEE-no-fen)
Brand Name(s): Darvocet A500, Darvocet-N
Review this Drug376 User Reviews
Propoxyphene should be used with extreme caution, if at all, in patients who have a history of substance/drug/alcohol abuse, depression with suicidal tendency, or who already take medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, sedatives, tranquilizers). Fatalities have occurred in such patients when propoxyphene was misused.

It is important not to take more of this medication than prescribed.

Who should not take this medication?

Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

Conditions:

Alcohol Intoxication, Misuse or Excessive Use of Drugs, Depression, Liver Problems, Kidney Disease, Abnormal Nervous System Function Affecting Mental Alertness, Overdose of the Drug Acetaminophen, Having Thoughts of Suicide, Habit of Drinking Too Much Alcohol

Allergies:

ACETAMINOPHEN PROPOXYPHENE OPIOIDS-METHADONE & RELATED

Adipex-P Oral

PHENTERMINE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (FEN-ter-meen)
Brand Name(s): Adipex-P, Ionamin, Pro-Fast
Phentermine is used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior change program to help you lose weight. It is used in people who are significantly overweight (obese) and have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.

It is not known how this medication helps people to lose weight. It may work by decreasing your appetite, increasing the amount of energy used by your body, or by affecting certain parts of the brain. This medication is an appetite suppressant and belongs to a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines.

How to use Adipex-P Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day 1 hour before breakfast or 1-2 hours after breakfast or as directed by your doctor. The tablet form may be taken at a lower dose (8 milligrams) up to 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).

If you are using sustained-release capsules, swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew the sustained-release capsules. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor will adjust the dose to find the best dose for you. Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

This medication is usually taken for only a few weeks at a time. It should not be taken with other appetite suppressants (see also Drug Interactions section). The possibility of serious side effects increases with longer use of this medication and use of this drug along with certain other diet drugs.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, severe tiredness) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

This medication may stop working well after you have been taking it for a few weeks. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not increase the dose unless directed by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to stop taking this medication.

Adipex-P Oral is used to treat the following:

Overweight

Chloral Hydrate Oral

CHLORAL HYDRATE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (KLOR-ull HI-drate)
This medication is used for a short time (no more than 2 weeks) to treat sleeping problems (insomnia). Chloral hydrate may also be used to calm you just before surgery or other procedures. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative/hypnotics. It works by affecting certain parts of the brain to cause calmness and sleep.

How to use Chloral Hydrate Oral
Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water or other liquid (8 ounces or 240 milliliters), with or without food, usually 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth usually 30 minutes before your surgery/procedure. Follow your doctor's directions for how much liquid or food you can have before your procedure.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Mix your dose with a full glass of water or other liquid (such as fruit juice, ginger ale) before taking it.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

If you are taking this medication for sleep, take it only when you need help falling asleep. Taking it regularly will make the drug work less well over time. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as sweating, trembling, anxiety, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. Withdrawal from chloral hydrate can be severe (rarely fatal). To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What conditions does this medication treat?

Chloral Hydrate Oral is used to treat the following:

Additional Agent to Induce General Anesthesia, Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Chloral Hydrate Oral may also be used to treat:

Calming of Pediatric Patient by Administration of Sedative

Xanax Oral

ALPRAZOLAM - ORAL
Pronunciation: (al-PRA-zoe-lam)
Brand Name(s): Xanax
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

How to use Xanax Oral
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop this medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Xanax Oral is used to treat the following:

Anxious, Panic Disorder, Repeated Episodes of Anxiety, Anxiousness associated with Depression

Xanax Oral may also be used to treat:

Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Vicodin Oral

HYDROCODONE / ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (hye-droe-KOE-done/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen)
Brand Name(s): Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin
Re
This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to suppress a cough.

How to use Vicodin Oral
Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement).

If you are using the liquid product, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best in relieving pain before it becomes severe. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What conditions does this medication treat?

Vicodin Oral is used to treat the following:

Pain

Prozac Oral

FLUOXETINE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (flew-OX-eh-teen)
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
Who should not take this medication?

Check with your physician if you have any of the following:

Conditions:

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction, Epileptic Seizure, Hardening of the Liver, Liver Problems, Bleeding from Stomach, Esophagus or Duodenum, Kidney Disease, Loss of Appetite, Diabetes, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion, Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood, Increased Risk of Bleeding, Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity, Mild Degree of Mania, Manic-Depression, Having Thoughts of Suicide, Sexual Problems

Allergies:

(DO NOT USE RETIRED CODE) SSRI'S FLUOXETINE ANALOGUES

Percocet Oral

OXYCODONE / ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (oxy-CODE-own/ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen)
Brand Name(s): Percocet, Tylox

This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever.

How to use Percocet Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Your doctor may instruct you to take this medication only as needed for shorter periods of pain (such as after surgery) or on a regular schedule for ongoing pain (such as cancer pain).

If you are taking this medication as needed, remember to take it as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain medications, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor may also direct you to take long-acting narcotic medications or to use narcotic patches for ongoing pain. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If this medication has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, stomach cramps, diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
Percocet Oral is used to treat the following:

Pain

Indications:
*sometimes abusers will "snort"[take this drug through the nose by inhaling the powder}.This also causes an intense burning that lasts up to 3 hours.

Oxycodone Oral

OXYCODONE - ORAL
Pronunciation: (ox-ee-KOH-doan)
Brand Name(s): OxyIr, Percolone, Roxicodone
This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).

How to use Oxycodone Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Your doctor may instruct you to take this medication only as needed for shorter periods of pain (such as after surgery) or on a regular schedule for ongoing pain (such as cancer pain).

If you are taking this medication as needed, remember to take it as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain medications, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor may also direct you to take long-acting narcotic medications or to use narcotic patches for ongoing pain. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If this medication has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, stomach cramps, diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
Oxycodone Oral may also be used to treat:

Neuropathic Pain

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Oral

HYDROCODONE / ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (hye-droe-KOE-done/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen)
Brand Name(s): Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin
This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to suppress a cough.

How to use Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Oral
Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement).

If you are using the liquid product, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best in relieving pain before it becomes severe. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen Oral is used to treat the following:

Pain

Ativan Oral

LORAZEPAM - ORAL
Pronunciation: (lor-AYE-zeh-pam)
Brand Name(s): Ativan
This medication is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. This drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

If directed by your doctor, this drug may also be used to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and for sleeping trouble (insomnia).

How to use Ativan Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

If directed by your doctor, use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses (more than 1-4 weeks) or if you have a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, or personality disorder. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures, trouble sleeping, mental/mood changes, increased reactions to noise/touch/light, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, hallucinations, numbness/tingling of arms and legs, muscle pain, fast heartbeat, short-term memory loss, and very high fever) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

Do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not increase your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Ativan Oral may also be used to treat:

Symptoms from Alcohol Withdrawal, Psychosis caused by Sudden Alcohol Withdrawal, Manic Bipolar Disorder Adjunct Treatment, Tension Headache, Muscle Spasm, Delirium, Chronic Trouble Sleeping, Nausea and Vomiting caused by Cancer Drugs, Prevent Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy

TUINAL

Tuinal Oral Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.

Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Methaqualone

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Quaalude
Methaqualone, also called Quinazolinone, is a sedative hypnotic drug.


Methaqualone tablets and capsules. It is similar in effect to barbiturates, a general CNS depressant. It was used in the 1960s and 1970s as an anxiolytic, for the treatment of insomnia and as a sedative.

Usual effects include relaxation, euphoria and drowsiness, it also reduces heart rate and respiration. Larger doses can bring about depression, muscular miscoordination and slurred speech. An overdose can cause delirium, convulsions, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, vomiting, renal insufficiency, coma, and possibly death through cardiac or respiratory arrest. It resembles barbiturate poisoning but with increased motor difficulties and a lower incidence of cardiac or respiratory depression. Toxicity is treated with diazepam and sometimes an anticonvulsant.

Methaqualone was discovered by the Indian researcher M. L. Gujiral in 1955 during a antimalarial research program. It was marketed as a sleeping pill from the 1960s under a number of tradenames including Renoval, Melsed and in combination with an antihistamine as Mandrax. From 1965 it was sold on the US market as Quaalude, Sopor and Parest, by 1972 it was the sixth most popular sedative in the US. The name Quaalude was apparently derived from the phrase 'quiet interlude' with an added 'aa' by the manufacturers. It was hoped that it was a 'safer' drug than barbiturates to use for sedation; however, it was found to have similar problems of tolerance and dependence.

Quaaludes became increasingly popular as a recreational drug during the 1960s. The drug was more tightly regulated in Britain under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act and in the US from 1973. With its addictive nature clear, it was withdrawn from many developed markets in the 1980s, being made a Schedule I drug in the US in 1984.

Chemical names include 2-Methyl-3-o-tolyl-4(3H)-quinazolinone, 3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-o-tolylquinazoline, and 2-methyl-3-(2-methylphenyl)-4-(3H)-quinazolinone. Empirically it is C16H14N2O.