San Diego, California — Medical experts are warning parents about a dangerous social media trend after several young people were hospitalized following overdoses involving a common over-the-counter allergy medication.
Doctors say a viral online challenge encouraging participants to consume excessive amounts of Benadryl is contributing to a growing number of emergency room visits across the country.
Multiple Teens Hospitalized Following Overdoses
According to reports, five teenagers and young adults were treated for Benadryl overdoses at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego during the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend.
The patients ranged in age from 16 years old to individuals in their early 20s.
While none of the patients died, doctors said the incidents were serious enough to highlight a troubling trend that continues to circulate online.
The challenge reportedly encourages participants to take large quantities of Benadryl in an attempt to experience hallucinations.
Doctors Warn of Serious Health Risks
Medical experts stress that the challenge is far more dangerous than many participants realize.
According to physicians, the amount of medication needed to trigger hallucinations can also cause life-threatening complications.
“We have seen an uptick in cases of kids who have been overdosing on Benadryl, and this kind of goes in line with the national uptick in cases we’ve seen, especially in Texas, Ohio, and in Virginia,” Dr. Shahfar Khan of Rady Children’s Hospital told CBS 8.
He warned that the consequences can be devastating.
“The dose required to induce hallucinations is also the same dose that can cause cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest,” he added.
Doctors say overdoses may also trigger seizures, severe heart rhythm disturbances and respiratory failure.
Easy Access Creates Dangerous Misconceptions
Benadryl, which contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, is commonly used to treat allergies, itching and rashes. Because it is sold over the counter without a prescription, some young people may mistakenly assume it is harmless.
Dr. Khan said that perception can be dangerous.
“That’s the trap,” he said.
Experts emphasize that over-the-counter availability does not guarantee safety when medications are misused or taken in excessive amounts.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, overdose treatment may require medications to stabilize the heart and, in severe situations, emergency defibrillation.
Peer Pressure Often Drives Participation
Doctors say peer influence remains one of the biggest reasons young people participate in viral challenges.
“There is a lot of peer pressure, and if a group of kids is doing this, you kind of go with the flow. Children think, if my friend’s doing this, it must be safe,” Khan said.
He added a stark warning for families.
“But just because it’s over the counter, it doesn’t make it safe.”
Health experts are encouraging parents to have open conversations with their children about social media trends and the potential dangers they may not fully understand.
Similar Cases Reported Nationwide
The San Diego incidents reflect a broader national concern.
According to reports, Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, has recorded more than 100 emergency department visits related to Benadryl overdoses within the past six months.
Hospital officials said one of those cases resulted in a death.
The so-called Benadryl challenge has circulated online for several years, and reports indicate related content was still being found on social media platforms recently.
TikTok has stated that content promoting dangerous behavior that could result in serious injury violates its community guidelines and is removed when identified.
Doctors urge parents to watch for warning signs including unusual behavior, loss of balance, flushed skin and overheating. Anyone who suspects an overdose should immediately seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
What are your thoughts on the growing risks of dangerous social media challenges? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments below.
