Health Officials Warn Against Resurgence of Dangerous Benadryl Challenge

Medical experts and law enforcement agencies are sounding the alarm regarding the dangerous resurgence of the Benadryl Challenge, a trend that has re-emerged on social media.

This challenge, which first gained attention in 2020, involves participants consuming excessive amounts of Benadryl, a medication typically used to treat allergies and cold symptoms, to induce hallucinations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has emphasized that while Benadryl is safe when used according to guidelines, taking large doses can lead to severe health complications. Natalie I. Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, noted that high doses can result in symptoms such as slurred speech, increased body temperature, irregular heart rhythms, and even seizures or death.

In a concerning trend, the Grantville Police Department in Georgia is urging parents to discuss the dangers of this challenge with their children, highlighting that participants may be encouraged to take up to 12 tablets at once. For context, the maximum recommended dose for adults and children aged 12 and older is 12 tablets in a 24-hour period, while children aged 6 to under 12 should not exceed six tablets.

Health professionals also warn of more common side effects from Benadryl, which include drowsiness, dry mouth, and headache, alongside more serious risks like allergic reactions and vision changes.

Tragically, earlier this month, the Office of the Child Advocate in Connecticut reported the deaths of three children from diphenhydramine overdoses within a two-month period, though it remains unclear if these incidents were linked to the challenge. Additionally, a recent report highlighted the death of a 15-year-old in Oklahoma, who had participated in the challenge.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).