Methaqualone (Quaalude™)

Methaqualone ("quaaludes") is a central nervous system depressant, with similar effects to barbiturates, and has been prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication or sleep aid. This drug is no longer manufactured or distributed in the United States, and true positive patient samples are uncommon. The detection of methaqualone in serum or urine is useful in the detection of abuse by individuals, resultant treatment for those individuals, and possibly in assisting with criminal prosecution.