The Benadryl challenge is reemerging across social media, and no, it has nothing to do with allergies. Instead, it involves taking dangerous amounts of the over-the-counter allergy medication to induce hallucinations.
At least five kids were hospitalized in San Diego after attempting the Benadryl challenge, with ages ranging from 16 to 22.
So, what is it exactly? "The challenge urges viewers to take as many as 12 tablets at a time to supposedly induce hallucinations. For perspective, the maximum allowed dose in a 24-hour period is six tablets for children 6 to under 12 years of age and 12 tablets for adults and children over 12 years of age," drugfree.org wrote, adding:
"Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to nausea, seizures or even death."
The FDA issued a warning about the Benadryl challenge in 2020, cautioning about the serious risks and advising parents to lock up the medication to prevent misuse. But for some reason, it keeps surfacing.
In just the last six months, Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, said more than 100 patients have visited the emergency department for issues related to taking too much Benadryl. One of those patients died.
In another instance, a 13-year-old boy from Columbus, Ohio, died in 2023 after attempting the challenge.
"We are seeing either children are taking the medication in an inappropriate amount intentionally or accidentally ingesting it," said Dr. Stephanie Felton, who is the associate medical director for Cook Children's emergency department.
The best defense is talking to your kids and monitoring their well-being, experts said.
"Taking part in social media challenges is often driven by teens’ need for validation and acceptance. With social media, these come quickly in the form of “likes.” Therefore, teen interest in social media challenges can correspond with emotions of sadness, boredom and anger. Impulsiveness and fun with friends are other reasons they may take part in challenges," drugfree.org noted.
Steps for parents from drugfree.org
- Talk with your child and relay the risks of misusing OTC medications.
- Model safe and healthy habits when it comes to medicine use, including safe and proper use of OTCs as directed by product labels. Doing so decreases the perception among children that medicine carries little risk.
- Store and lock up medications up and away and out of sight to prevent accidental poisonings in young children or intentional misuse by teens.
- If your child has underlying mental health conditions that can worsen their substance use risk, pay close attention. The social isolation associated with COVID-19 may increase their desire to experiment with substances.
- If your child is already intentionally misusing OTC medications, try to understand why. This can help you talk about what’s really at stake. You can offer alternative opportunities that offer validation, excitement, relaxation, de-stressing or whatever other means of rewarding activity they seek.
- Be curious about what your child finds interesting on social media, and don’t dismiss their interests as silly or a waste of time. The less they feel criticized for their social media use, the more open they’ll be to your input on trending posts or behavior that are unhealthy, high-risk or otherwise damaging to their well-being.
