In recent years, curiosity around Quaaludes has surged, largely driven by pop culture references and viral memes. From Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of a Quaalude-induced meltdown in The Wolf of Wall Street to trending Google searches asking, “what is a Quaalude today?”, this once-ubiquitous sedative has become a topic of fascination. But what were Quaaludes, what did they do, and why don’t they make them anymore?

Quaaludes, also known by their generic name methaqualone, were originally prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety. Marketed under the brand names Sopor, Mandrax, and most famously Lemmon 714, Quaalude pills gained notoriety for their powerful sedative effects. Today, they’re banned in the United States, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance with no recognized medical use.

This article explores the rise and fall of methaqualone, the effects of Quaaludes, their street names, history, and why people still ask: are Quaaludes still made today?

The Origins and Rise of Quaaludes

Methaqualone was first synthesized in India in the 1950s as part of research aimed at developing a new antimalarial drug. However, scientists quickly discovered its sedative properties, and by the 1960s, methaqualone was patented in the U.S. and marketed as a safer alternative to barbiturates.

Lemmon Pharmaceuticals soon began distributing methaqualone tablets under the name Quaalude 300, stamped with the now-infamous “714”. The drug was touted as a non-addictive sleep aid, which led to widespread use across households in the U.S., U.K., and South Africa. In South Africa, it was marketed as Mandrax and mixed with diphenhydramine to enhance its hypnotic effect.

The 1970s saw methaqualone explode in popularity on college campuses and in club scenes, earning street names like “ludes,” “soapers,” “lemons,” and “714s.” Recreational users discovered that if they resisted the sleepiness, they could experience an intense euphoria, a Quaalude high often described as warm, fuzzy, and deeply relaxing. Some even compare the sensation to a mix of alcohol and benzodiazepines.

What Do Quaaludes Do?

Methaqualone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that works by increasing the activity of GABA receptors in the brain. This GABAergic effect leads to muscle relaxation, decreased anxiety, and sedation.

At therapeutic doses (around 300mg), users felt relaxed and drowsy. At higher doses, Quaaludes caused slurred speech, impaired coordination, and mental confusion. Some users reported sexual euphoria, which contributed to their misuse. However, excessive use could easily result in overdose, coma, or death, especially when combined with alcohol—another CNS depressant.

It’s important to understand that methaqualone pills like Lemmon 714 were not harmless. As tolerance built quickly, users escalated their intake, sometimes consuming doses over 2000mg. The withdrawal symptoms from Quaaludes mirrored those of barbiturates: insomnia, tremors, nausea, seizures, and in severe cases, psychosis.

Why Were Quaaludes Banned?

By the late 1970s, the addictive potential and rampant recreational abuse of methaqualone could no longer be ignored. In 1973, the DEA categorized methaqualone as a Schedule II drug. By 1984, domestic production was banned entirely, and in 1985, it was moved to Schedule I—meaning the drug was now considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

This crackdown was part of the broader U.S. War on Drugs. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that eliminated the production and sale of methaqualone in the United States. But instead of targeting users, the DEA focused on the global supply chain. They persuaded foreign labs in India, China, and elsewhere to cease production, effectively shutting down the supply of pure methaqualone powder.

Despite these efforts, counterfeit Quaaludes continued to circulate on the black market, particularly in parts of Africa and Mexico. Some reports suggest methaqualone is still illicitly produced and sold under different names, though its potency and safety are highly questionable.

Are Quaaludes Still Made or Available Today?

So, do Quaaludes still exist in 2025? While they are no longer legally manufactured in the United States, underground production persists in some countries. South Africa, in particular, continues to see widespread abuse of methaqualone in the form of Mandrax, often smoked with cannabis.

In the U.S., it is illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture methaqualone. That said, black market variations exist, and some users still seek out Lemmon 714 replicas or ask where to buy Quaaludes online. These counterfeit versions are often laced with dangerous substances and are far more hazardous than the original formulations.

It’s important to recognize that while the original Lemmon 714 pills are now collector’s items, the desire to recreate the Quaalude experience has not disappeared. Slang terms like “quailudes,” “quayludes,” and even “lemons” still surface in online forums and pop culture, keeping the drug’s legacy alive.

Quaaludes and Addiction: What You Need to Know

The addictive nature of methaqualone led many users into cycles of dependence. The drug’s effects wore off quickly, prompting users to take higher doses more frequently. This rapid tolerance resulted in serious side effects:

• Physical dependence
  
  
• Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, restlessness, anxiety)
  
  
• Dangerous drug interactions, especially with alcohol or other depressants
  
  

When discontinued abruptly, users could experience seizures, mental confusion, and insomnia. In many ways, Quaalude withdrawal resembled that of barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

Today, addiction treatment programs that specialize in sedative-hypnotic abuse—like those used for benzodiazepines or Ambien—are applicable for former Quaalude users. Medically supervised detox, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relapse prevention strategies are all vital.

What Drugs Are Similar to Quaaludes Today?

Though methaqualone is no longer legally available, drugs with similar sedative effects remain on the market. Ambien (zolpidem), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Valium), and GHB are often compared to Quaaludes. However, none replicate the full spectrum of the Quaalude high.

Some users seek “quaalude equivalents” or explore research chemicals that mimic CNS depressants. This is a dangerous trend, as many of these compounds are unregulated and untested.

If you’re asking “what is similar to Quaalude today,” know that while pharmacological similarities exist, no drug offers the exact same effect profile. Moreover, the nostalgia for Lemmon 714 often overlooks the dangerous consequences tied to its use.

Conclusion: The Lingering Legacy of Quaaludes

So, what is a Quaalude today? In short: it’s a banned substance whose legacy continues to ripple through pop culture, addiction medicine, and internet lore. Although methaqualone is no longer legally manufactured, the fascination with Quaaludes remains alive.

Whether it’s the mystery of Lemmon 714, the allure of the Quaalude high, or the curiosity behind why they stopped making Quaaludes, people are still asking the same question decades later. Unfortunately, the answer remains rooted in addiction, overdose, and regulatory action.

Understanding the history of Quaaludes is more than just satisfying curiosity—it’s a reminder of how a drug once hailed as safe turned into a public health hazard. And as the search queries show—”can you still get Quaaludes,” “what happened to Quaaludes,” “are Quaaludes still made”—this cautionary tale is far from forgotten.

If you or someone you love is struggling with sedative addiction or seeking an old high, know there is help. Recovery is not about chasing nostalgia—it’s about building a safer, healthier future.

Start Your Recovery Journey with Asana Recovery Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with the lingering effects of prescription drug misuse—whether it’s Quaaludes, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants—Asana Recovery is here to help. Our compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment programs are designed by people in recovery, for people in recovery. With personalized care, medically supervised detox, outpatient and residential options, and ongoing support, we offer a safe space to heal. Don’t wait for things to get worse. Reach out now and take the first step toward lasting recovery.

FAQs About Quaaludes, Lemmon 714, and Methaqualone

What is a Quaalude today?

Today, a “Quaalude” refers to methaqualone, a central nervous system depressant that was once prescribed as a sedative and sleep aid. Although commercial production was banned in the United States in the 1980s, the term “Quaalude” still circulates in pop culture and illicit markets. Modern users may encounter counterfeit versions or drugs labeled as “quaaludes” that are manufactured illegally, especially in places like South Africa or Mexico. However, Quaalude pills today are no longer legally available in the U.S. and are classified as Schedule I controlled substances.

Are Quaaludes still made?

No, Quaaludes are no longer legally manufactured in the United States or most countries. The DEA officially banned methaqualone in 1985, classifying it as a Schedule I drug due to its high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. However, illegally manufactured quaaludes—sometimes known by street names like “714s,” “lemons,” or “ludes”—do still exist in underground markets in places like South Africa, India, and Mexico.

What is a Lemmon 714 pill?

The Lemmon 714 pill was the most iconic and recognizable form of methaqualone in the 1970s and early 80s. Produced by the Lemmon pharmaceutical company, these Quaalude pills were stamped with “714” and widely abused for their euphoric, muscle-relaxing, and sedative effects. Today, Lemmon 714 pills are no longer legally available, but their legacy persists in media, addiction culture, and nostalgia.

What does a Quaalude feel like?

The effects of Quaaludes included intense relaxation, euphoria, drowsiness, and a general sense of calm. Users often described the high as similar to barbiturates or benzodiazepines but stronger and more hypnotic. High doses could cause ataxia (loss of muscle control), mental confusion, and unconsciousness, especially when mixed with alcohol. This dangerous combination led to the phrase “luding out.”

Why don’t they make Quaaludes anymore?

The U.S. government stopped making Quaaludes due to widespread abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reclassified methaqualone as a Schedule I substance in 1985, making it illegal to manufacture, sell, or possess. The decision came after growing concerns over how Quaaludes affected the central nervous system, impairing motor skills, memory, and judgment.

Are Quaaludes barbiturates?

No, Quaaludes are not barbiturates, although they have similar depressant effects. Quaaludes (methaqualone) belong to the quinazolinone drug class, whereas barbiturates are derived from barbituric acid. Both are sedative-hypnotics and CNS depressants, but they differ in chemical structure. However, the withdrawal symptoms and overdose risks are nearly identical.

Can you still buy Quaaludes online?

While some websites claim to sell Quaaludes or Lemmon 714 pills online, it is illegal to buy or possess methaqualone in the U.S. and most other countries. These online sources are unregulated, dangerous, and often scams. Counterfeit drugs may contain unknown substances, making them even riskier than the original.

What are Quaaludes most like today?

Today, people often compare Quaaludes to drugs like benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium or Xanax) or sedatives like Ambien or GHB. However, no exact pharmaceutical equivalent to methaqualone currently exists. Its unique sedative-euphoric combination remains unmatched, which contributes to its enduring reputation in drug culture.

What were Quaaludes used for?

Originally, Quaaludes were prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, and muscle spasms. The drug was marketed as a safer alternative to barbiturates in the 1960s and 70s. However, its strong addictive potential and risk for overdose quickly overshadowed any medical benefits.

When did they stop making Quaaludes?

Quaaludes were officially banned in the U.S. in 1985, following years of increasing recreational abuse. By that time, the drug had become so problematic that pharmaceutical companies stopped manufacturing it altogether, and the DEA moved methaqualone to the most restrictive class of controlled substances.

Informational Sources

• American Addiction Centers. (2023). Quaaludes: Effects, history, and abuse. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/quaaludes
• DEA Museum. (n.d.). Methaqualone (Quaaludes). Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved from https://museum.dea.gov/methaqualone
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). (2020). Drugs of abuse: A DEA resource guide. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Drugs%20of%20Abuse%202020-Web%20Version-508%20compliant.pdf
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2022). Commonly used drugs charts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts
• Reinarman, C., & Levine, H. G. (1997). Crack in America: Demon drugs and social justice. University of California Press.
• Stolberg, S. G. (2003, May 4). The long, strange trip of Quaaludes. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/04/weekinreview/the-long-strange-trip-of-quaaludes.html
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). (2010). The global SMART program: Global synthetic drug assessment. Retrieved from https://www.unodc.org/documents/scientific/Global_SMART_2010.pdf