The Benadryl Challenge: Why This Dangerous Social Media Trend Is Putting Teens at Risk
Recent reports from poison centers across the country have highlighted a troubling trend: a rise in teen overdoses involving Benadryl® (diphenhydramine). Health experts believe renewed interest in the so-called "Benadryl® Challenge" may be contributing to the increase.
While Benadryl® is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies and cold symptoms, taking large amounts can lead to serious poisoning, hospitalization, and even death.
If you've heard about the Benadryl® Challenge and are wondering whether it's dangerous, the answer is simple: yes.
What Is the Benadryl Challenge?
The Benadryl Challenge is a social media trend that first gained widespread attention in 2020. Participants are encouraged to take large amounts of Benadryl® in an attempt to experience hallucinations or other mind-altering effects.
Although the challenge may appear less visible than it was several years ago, poison centers and healthcare professionals continue to see cases involving teens who intentionally misuse diphenhydramine.
One reason the challenge remains dangerous is that many young people assume an over-the-counter medication must be safe. In reality, taking Benadryl® in doses higher than recommended can quickly become a medical emergency.
What Happens If You Take Too Much Benadryl®?
Benadryl® contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that is safe and effective when used according to the label directions and under the guidance of a health professional.
However, high doses can overwhelm the body's nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to severe symptoms.
Symptoms of a Benadryl® overdose may include:
Extreme drowsiness
Dry mouth
Confusion
Agitation
Hallucinations
Blurred vision
Urinary retention
Rapid heartbeat
Increased body temperature
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Coma
In severe cases, a diphenhydramine overdose can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances that may be life-threatening.
Many individuals participating in the Benadryl® Challenge are specifically seeking hallucinations. What they may not realize is that hallucinations are not a sign of a harmless "high"—they are a sign of poisoning.
Why Are Teens Participating?
Several factors may contribute to the continued popularity of medication-related social media challenges:
Curiosity about viral trends
Social and peer pressure
Misunderstanding the risks of over-the-counter medications
The false belief that over-the-counter or prescription medications are safer than illicit drugs
Easy access to over-the-counter or prescription medications found in many households
Parents should remember that even responsible teenagers may encounter online content that normalizes risky behavior. Open conversations about medication safety can help reduce the likelihood of experimentation.
A Growing Concern for Poison Centers
America's Poison Centers recently reported a significant increase in calls involving teenagers and diphenhydramine overdoses. Cases involving intentional misuse often require emergency medical evaluation and can result in serious complications.
At the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC), our poison specialists and board-certified toxicologists answer questions about medications every day. We encourage families to contact poison experts whenever they have concerns about an overdose, medication error, or potential poisoning.
How Parents Can Help Prevent Benadryl® Misuse
Parents and caregivers can take several steps to reduce the risk of medication misuse:
Talk About Social Media Trends
Ask your children what they are seeing online and discuss the real-world consequences of dangerous challenges.
Store Medications Safely
Keep medications in their original containers and store them in a secure location, particularly if there are children or teens in the home.
Read and Follow Label Directions
Use medications only as directed and never take more than the recommended dose.
Watch for Warning Signs
Changes in behavior, discussions about viral challenges, or unusual interest in medications may warrant a conversation.
What Should You Do If Someone Takes Too Much Benadryl®?
If someone has taken too much Benadryl®, do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Call the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
Poison specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide expert guidance for Benadryl® overdoses, medication mistakes, and other poisoning emergencies. Board-certified toxicologists are also available for consultation for serious poisonings.
Many exposures can be safely managed at home with the assistance of poison experts, helping families avoid unnecessary emergency room visits while ensuring patients receive appropriate care.
The Bottom Line
The Benadryl® Challenge is not harmless. Taking excessive amounts of Benadryl® can cause hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart problems, coma, and death.
The safest way to use any medication is to follow the recommended dosage and only take it for its intended purpose.
If you have questions about Benadryl®, diphenhydramine, medication safety, or a possible overdose, call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Expert help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
