Methaqualone is a sedative-hypnotic drug, which has effects similar to that of barbiturates, a general central nervous system depressant. It has been used illegally as a recreational drug. Since at least 2001, it has been widely used in South Africa, where it is commonly referred to as “smarties” or “geluk-tablette” (meaning happy tablets).
Methaqualone was the most commonly prescribed sedative in Britain, where it was legally sold under the names of Malsed, Malsedin, and Renoval.