This is an unofficial archive of PsychonautWiki as of 2025-08-11T15:14:44Z. Content on this page may be outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Please refer to the original page for the most up-to-date information.
{{decree|type=notice|message=This article is in the 'Talk' namespace because it is an unfinished draft. This section is used to host drafts for unpublished articles as well as discussions for published ones. If you'd like to use this area to discuss this draft, please do so in the 'Discussion' section at the very bottom of the page. This notice will be removed once this draft has been approved for publication by an administrator.}}
{{headerpanel|{{Approval}}}}
{{SummarySheet}}
{{SummarySheet}}
{{SubstanceBox/Example}}
{{SubstanceBox/Nitromethaqualone}}
<!-- Please ensure that any new substance articles are first published in the 'Talk' namespace. For example, a new article on substance XYZ should have the title "Talk: XYZ" instead of "XYZ". Once the submitted article has been reviewed and determined to meet the guidelines and standards, it will be published by a staff member. -->
'''Nitromethaqualone''' is a central nervous system (CNS) [[psychoactive class::depressant]] of the [[chemical class::quinazolinone]] class that acts as a [[sedative]] and [[hypnotic]]. Nitromethaqualone is a derivative of methaqualone, distinguished by the presence of a nitro group, which affects its pharmacological profile. While methaqualone gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, nitromethaqualone has been studied less extensively but exhibits similar depressant effects.
For tips on how to properly format a substance article, please refer to this document: [[Content Style Guide - Substance]]
==Chemistry==
Nitromethaqualone, or 2-methyl-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, is a compound of the quinazolinone class. Quinazolinone is a bicyclic structure containing a phenyl ring bound to another six-membered ring with two nitrogen members and a ketone group bound to R<sub>4</sub>. In nitromethaqualone, this structure is substituted at R<sub>2</sub> with a methyl group and at R<sub>3</sub> with a nitro-substituted phenyl ring.
==History and culture==
Nitromethaqualone is also known as 3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-4-oxoquinazoline. The nitro group presence distinguishes it from methaqualone and can alter its potency, duration of action, and safety profile.
{{historyStub}}
==Chemistry==
{{chemistry|Nitromethaqualone[1] is an analogue of methaqualone that has similar sedative and hypnotic properties.[2] It is significantly more potent (10x) compared to the parent compound; the typical dose is approximately 25 mg.=}}
==Pharmacology==
==Pharmacology==
{{pharmacology}}
Nitromethaqualone acts on the central nervous system by modulating the activity of [[GABA]] [[receptor]] sites, enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. This modulation leads to the sedative and hypnotic effects associated with the drug. However, specific studies on nitromethaqualone's pharmacodynamics suggest it may have a different binding affinity and efficacy at GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors compared to methaqualone.
Despite its similarities to methaqualone, nitromethaqualone's distinct chemical structure may contribute to variations in its subjective and physiological effects. The presence of the nitro group could affect its metabolism, duration of action, and potential for adverse effects.
==Subjective effects==
==Subjective effects==
{{EffectStub}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{Preamble/SubjectiveEffects}}
{{effects/base
{{effects/base
|{{effects/physical|
|{{effects/physical|
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's physical effects may be included here.
*'''[[Effect::Sedation]]''' - Nitromethaqualone induces profound sedation, often leading to lethargy and sleepiness. Higher doses can result in overwhelming drowsiness and a strong urge to sleep.
*'''[[Effect::Physical euphoria]]''' - Users may experience mild to moderate physical euphoria, characterized by a sense of relaxation and well-being.
You may select physical effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Physical effects|here]].
*'''[[Effect::Dizziness]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Muscle relaxation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Physical effect]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Motor control loss]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Physical effect2]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Respiratory depression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Physical effect3]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Constipation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Changes in felt gravity]]'''
}}
}}
{{effects/visual|
{{effects/visual|
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's visual effects may be included here.
The visual effects of nitromethaqualone, while less pronounced than some other psychoactive substances, may include:
*'''[[Effect::Visual acuity suppression]]'''
You may select visual effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Visual effects|here]].
*'''[[Effect::Double vision]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Visual disconnection]]''' - A sense of disconnection from visual input can occur at higher doses.
====Enhancements====
*'''[[Effect::Internal hallucination]]''' - Internal hallucinations may manifest as hypnagogic scenarios, particularly at higher doses.
*'''[[Effect::Visual acuity effect1]]'''
====Distortions====
*'''[[Effect::Visual distortion effect1]]'''
====[[Effect::Geometry]]====
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary describing the visual geometry produced by the substance may be included here.
====Hallucinatory states====
If applicable, a brief summary of the substance's visual effects profile may be written here.
*'''[[Effect::Hallucinatory states1]]'''
}}
}}
|{{effects/cognitive|
|{{effects/cognitive|
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's cognitive effects may be included here.
*'''[[Effect::Anxiety suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Thought deceleration]]'''
You may select from a list of cognitive effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Cognitive effects|here]].
*'''[[Effect::Disinhibition]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Autonomous voice communication]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive effect1]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Dream potentiation]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive effect2]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Analysis suppression]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive effect3]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Cognitive euphoria]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Compulsive redosing]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased libido]]'''
*'''[[Effect::Increased music appreciation]]'''
}}
}}
}}
{{effects/auditory|
===Experience reports===
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's auditory effects may be included here.
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our [[experience index]]. Additional experience reports can be found here:
You may select from a list of auditory effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Auditory effects|here]].
Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.
}}
Overdose of nitromethaqualone can lead to seizures, coma, or death. [[toxicity::Doses of over 300mg can be dangerous for first-time users]]. Depending on the user's individual tolerance, doses of about 8,000mg per day can be fatal, while some users on higher doses (up to 20,000mg) may survive.
{{effects/multisensory|
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's multisensory effects may be included here.
You may select from a list of multisensory effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Multisensory effects|here]].
Although the exact lethal dosage of nitromethaqualone has not been formally established, it is generally considered [[Toxicity::safe at appropriate dosages]]. Complications may arise when administered in excess or in combination with other depressants.
*'''[[Effect::Multisensory effect1]]'''
It is strongly recommended to use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] when using this substance.
*'''[[Effect::Multisensory effect2]]'''
}}
Illegally produced nitromethaqualone may contain other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or fentanyl, posing additional risks.
{{effects/transpersonal|
If applicable, a brief paragraph summary of the substance's transpersonal effects may be included here.
You may select from a list of transpersonal effects to add below [[Subjective effect index#Transpersonal effects|here]].
===Tolerance and addiction potential===
Nitromethaqualone is [[Addiction potential::extremely addictive]]. Tolerance to its sedative-hypnotic effects develops [[Time to full tolerance::within a few days of repeated administration]]. After that, it takes about [[Time to half tolerance::3 - 7 days]] for tolerance to be reduced by half and [[Time to zero tolerance::1 - 2 weeks]] to return to baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Nitromethaqualone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all [[GABA|gabaergic]] [[depressants]]]], meaning that after consuming nitromethaqualone, all compounds of the same class will have a reduced effect.
*'''[[Effect::Transpersonal effect1]]'''
Abrupt discontinuation following regular dosing over several days can result in withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety and insomnia. Gradually reducing the dose over several days can lengthen the withdrawal period but reduce its intensity.
*'''[[Effect::Transpersonal effect2]]'''
}}
}}
===Experience reports===
There are currently {{#ask:[[Category:SUBSTANCE]][[Category:Experience]] | format=count}} experience reports which describe the effects of this substance in our [[experience index]].
WARNING: Always start with lower doses due to differences between individual body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and personal sensitivity. See responsible use section.
DISCLAIMER: PW's dosage information is gathered from users and resources for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation and should be verified with other sources for accuracy.
Nitromethaqualone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant of the quinazolinone class that acts as a sedative and hypnotic. Nitromethaqualone is a derivative of methaqualone, distinguished by the presence of a nitro group, which affects its pharmacological profile. While methaqualone gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s, nitromethaqualone has been studied less extensively but exhibits similar depressant effects.
Nitromethaqualone, or 2-methyl-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, is a compound of the quinazolinone class. Quinazolinone is a bicyclic structure containing a phenyl ring bound to another six-membered ring with two nitrogen members and a ketone group bound to R4. In nitromethaqualone, this structure is substituted at R2 with a methyl group and at R3 with a nitro-substituted phenyl ring.
Nitromethaqualone is also known as 3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-4-oxoquinazoline. The nitro group presence distinguishes it from methaqualone and can alter its potency, duration of action, and safety profile.
Pharmacology
Nitromethaqualone acts on the central nervous system by modulating the activity of GABAreceptor sites, enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. This modulation leads to the sedative and hypnotic effects associated with the drug. However, specific studies on nitromethaqualone's pharmacodynamics suggest it may have a different binding affinity and efficacy at GABAA receptors compared to methaqualone.
Despite its similarities to methaqualone, nitromethaqualone's distinct chemical structure may contribute to variations in its subjective and physiological effects. The presence of the nitro group could affect its metabolism, duration of action, and potential for adverse effects.
Subjective effects
Disclaimer: The effects listed below cite the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal user reports and the personal analyses of PsychonautWikicontributors. As a result, they should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism.
It is also worth noting that these effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects. Likewise, adverse effects become increasingly likely with higher doses and may include addiction, severe injury, or death ☠.
Physical effects
Sedation - Nitromethaqualone induces profound sedation, often leading to lethargy and sleepiness. Higher doses can result in overwhelming drowsiness and a strong urge to sleep.
Physical euphoria - Users may experience mild to moderate physical euphoria, characterized by a sense of relaxation and well-being.
There are currently no anecdotal reports which describe the effects of this compound within our experience index. Additional experience reports can be found here:
Independent research should always be done to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe before consumption.
Overdose of nitromethaqualone can lead to seizures, coma, or death. Doses of over 300mg can be dangerous for first-time users. Depending on the user's individual tolerance, doses of about 8,000mg per day can be fatal, while some users on higher doses (up to 20,000mg) may survive.
Although the exact lethal dosage of nitromethaqualone has not been formally established, it is generally considered safe at appropriate dosages. Complications may arise when administered in excess or in combination with other depressants.
Illegally produced nitromethaqualone may contain other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or fentanyl, posing additional risks.
Tolerance and addiction potential
Nitromethaqualone is extremely addictive. Tolerance to its sedative-hypnotic effects develops within a few days of repeated administration. After that, it takes about 3 - 7 days for tolerance to be reduced by half and 1 - 2 weeks to return to baseline (in the absence of further consumption). Nitromethaqualone presents cross-tolerance with [[Cross-tolerance::all gabaergicdepressants]], meaning that after consuming nitromethaqualone, all compounds of the same class will have a reduced effect.
Abrupt discontinuation following regular dosing over several days can result in withdrawal symptoms such as increased anxiety and insomnia. Gradually reducing the dose over several days can lengthen the withdrawal period but reduce its intensity.
Dangerous interactions
Warning:Many psychoactive substances that are reasonably safe to use on their own can suddenly become dangerous and even life-threatening when combined with certain other substances. The following list provides some known dangerous interactions (although it is not guaranteed to include all of them).
Always conduct independent research (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, PubMed) to ensure that a combination of two or more substances is safe to consume. Some of the listed interactions have been sourced from TripSit.
Dissociatives - This combination can unpredictably potentiate the amnesia, sedation, motor control loss and delusions that can be caused by each other. It may also result in a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by a dangerous degree of respiratory depression. If nausea or vomiting occurs before consciousness is lost, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - Stimulants mask the sedative effect of depressants, which is the main factor most people use to gauge their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant effects wear off, the effects of the depressant will significantly increase, leading to intensified disinhibition, motor control loss, and dangerous black-out states. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if one's fluid intake is not closely monitored. If choosing to combine these substances, one should strictly limit themselves to a pre-set schedule of dosing only a certain amount per hour until a maximum threshold has been reached.