A dangerous trend has been circulating on TikTok, called the “Benadryl challenge,” where users are encouraged to take large amounts of the allergy medicine Benadryl (also known as diphenhydramine) to experience hallucinations. This is extremely risky, as experts warn that taking too much Benadryl can cause serious health problems and even death. In this post, …
A dangerous trend has been circulating on TikTok, called the “Benadryl challenge,” where users are encouraged to take large amounts of the allergy medicine Benadryl (also known as diphenhydramine) to experience hallucinations. This is extremely risky, as experts warn that taking too much Benadryl can cause serious health problems and even death. In this post, we will cover how to use Benadryl properly before sharing what happens if you take too much and how to use it safely.
Johnson & Johnson, the company that makes Benadryl, has issued warnings about this challenge, and TikTok is actively removing posts that promote it. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also very concerned about this trend. They recently issued a warning highlighting the serious dangers of ingesting too much Benadryl. Despite these efforts, some teens and children still attempt the challenge, with tragic consequences.
In August 2020, a 15-year-old girl named Chloe Marie Phillips from Blanchard, Oklahoma, reportedly died after participating in the “Benadryl challenge” on TikTok. A family member attributed her death to the challenge in a Facebook post, although the post was later deleted.
“Many young people think over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl are safe. However, Benadryl has many side effects that can be dangerous or even fatal,” said Cindy Grant, director of the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance in Florida.
Earlier, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, warned parents about the Benadryl challenge after treating three teenagers who had overdosed on the drug. One of the teens ended up in the emergency room after taking 14 Benadryl pills.
“It was terrifying. She couldn’t speak properly, was seeing things that weren’t there, and her heart rate was dangerously high at 199 beats per minute,” said the teen’s mother in a statement from Cook Children’s Medical Center.
“As a parent, you always worry about drugs and know what to look for. I never thought I’d have to hide the allergy medicine. I want other parents to be aware of this danger. I’m furious that people on TikTok are promoting this without any medical knowledge, and our kids are trusting them,” she added.
Understanding and following proper dosages for medications like Benadryl is crucial for your safety. Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat allergies, cold symptoms, and insomnia. However, taking the correct amount is vital to avoid harmful side effects.
Recommended dosage: For adults, the typical dose of Benadryl is 25 to 50 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed. It’s important not to exceed 300 milligrams in a 24-hour period. For children, the dosage depends on their age and weight, so always follow the instructions on the label or consult a health care provider for the correct amount.
Taking more than the recommended dose of Benadryl can lead to serious health issues like extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and even seizures. In severe cases, it can be fatal. Yes, some think that there are fun side effects of doing this, namely the hallucinations, but they are not worth the risks and negative effects on your body.
Always read the label: Follow the dosage instructions provided on the Benadryl packaging or by your doctor.
Avoid mixing medications: Be cautious about using Benadryl in combination with other medications, as this can increase the risk of overdose.
Store medications safely: Keep Benadryl and other medications out of reach of children to prevent accidental overdoses.
If you or someone else accidentally takes too much Benadryl or shows signs of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Call your local poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room.
By adhering to proper dosages and using Benadryl responsibly, you can avoid the dangerous consequences associated with misuse and ensure that the medication serves its intended purpose safely.
