TikTok’s 'Benadryl Challenge Is Deadly & Here’s Why

The lure of likes and comments on social media apps like TikTok can sometimes lead individuals to take dangerous risks, often without realizing the potential consequences. The recent tragic death of a 13-year-old boy from Ohio has brought to light the hazards associated with participating in viral trends, specifically the “Benadryl Challenge.”

What Is The TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge?

TikTok’s 'Benadryl Challenge Is Deadly & Here’s Why — TNS

The misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among teenagers, including the dangerous practice of combining medications like Benadryl and Xanax, has become a significant social problem worldwide. In addition, viral trends like the “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok have resulted in a concerning increase in overdoses among young teens.

The Benadryl Challenge encourages participants to take excessive amounts of Benadryl, sometimes up to 12 tablets at a time, in an attempt to induce hallucinations. However, it is important to note that the recommended maximum daily dose for children aged 6 to 12 is six tablets and 12 tablets for adults and children over 12. Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to serious health risks, including nausea, seizures, and even death.

Tragically, there have been reported cases of death associated with this social media stunt. In September 2020, a 15-year-old girl from Oklahoma lost her life after attempting the Benadryl Challenge, and her aunt shared a social media post to raise awareness about the dangers of the trend. More recently, in Ohio, a 13-year-old boy named Jacob Stevens died after participating in the challenge with his friends, as captured in a video showing him chugging the pills and subsequently experiencing seizures.

What Has The US Food And Drug Administration Say About This?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken notice of this alarming trend and in a statement issued in September 2020, the FDA confirmed it has investigated reports of deaths of adolescents participating in TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge. The FDA has reached out to the social media platform, urging them to remove such videos and cautioning users against exceeding the recommended doses of OTC medications.

“We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the ‘Benadryl Challenge’ encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok. As soon as we became aware of this dangerous trend, we contacted social media platforms to have the content removed,” the FDA statement further read. “We are continuing to monitor and work with safety teams at the various social media platforms to remove dangerous content.”

Why Do We Take Benadryl?

Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) brand name for the generic drug diphenhydramine, which is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies or the common cold. It is available in various formulations, such as tablets, chewable tablets, and liquids, with different strengths. Benadryl is known to relieve symptoms such as runny nose, irritated eyes, motion sickness, and insomnia. it is important to use Benadryl and any other medication according to the recommended dose indicated on the medication box, or as prescribed by a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Risks Of Overdosing On OTC Medication:

Dehydration
Dry throat and mouth
Enlarged pupils
Ringing in the ears
Constipation
Dry throat
Extreme drowsiness
Blurry vision or tunnel vision
Confusion or cognitive issues
Nausea
Inability to urinate or pain when urinating
Tremor
Seizures
Low blood pressure
Rapid heart rate or changes in heart rhythm

What Johnson & Johnson Has Said About The Challenge?

Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Benadryl, has also issued a statement strongly denouncing the challenge. The company expressed concern over the dangerous trend depicted in TikTok videos and emphasized that the abuse or misuse of Benadryl can have serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences. Johnson & Johnson stressed that all Benadryl products should only be used as directed by the label, and recommended keeping all medications out of the reach of children.

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson said they were actively working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that promotes or showcases this harmful behavior to promote safety while urging people to follow proper dosing instructions. “We will look to partner across industry and with key stakeholders to address this dangerous behavior,” Johnson & Johnson stated in a statement given to NBC.