Erowid Methaqualone Vault : Timeline

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Methaqualone

Timeline

by Erowid

1951		First published paper documenting the synthesis of methaqualone by Kacker and Zaheer, along with a number of other related compounds. 1
1955		Methaqualone was first synthesized in India by M.L. Gujral and was soon being marketed as a non-addictive sleeping pill. 2, 3 [Details] The date given by these two books is disputed by some online sources that cite a 1951 paper: Potential Analgesics. Part I. Synthesis of substituted 4-quinazolones, I. K. Kacker and S. H. Zaheer, J. Ind. Chem. Soc. 28 (1951), pp. 344–346. As of Jan 24, 2017, we have not been able to acquire the paper in question and can not confirm that the two reference books are in error.
1960		Methaqualone is sold by the Boots company under the names Melsed and Melsedin and by Marck as Renoval. 2
1965		Methaqualone is sold by Roussel labs in combination with an antihistamine under the name Mandrax. 2
Late 60s		Methaqualone becomes a commercial success in the United States where it is sold under the name Quaalude. It also becomes a popular street drug. 2
1971		Methaqualone becomes regulated in Britain under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act due to its increasing popularity as a recreational drug.
1973		Methaqualone is placed in Schedule II in the United States making it difficult to prescribe and illegal to possess without a prescription.
Early 80s		Methaqualone is withdrawn from the market in Britain due to its addictive qualities.
1984		Methaqualone is moved to Schedule I in the United States, making it illegal to buy, sell, or possess.

References

IK Kacker, Zaheer SH. Potential Analgesics. Part I. Synthesis of substituted 4-quinazolones. J. Ind. Chem. Soc. 28 (1951), pp. 344–346.
Rudgley R. The Encyclopaedia of Psychoactive Substances. Thomas Dunne Books, 1998.
Snyder SH, Lader MH. "The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs: Methaqualone, the quest for oblivion."