What is the “Benadryl Challenge?”

March 4, 2025

Stay informed about the dangerous trend of the Benadryl Challenge. Understand the risks and medical implications.

Understanding the Benadryl Challenge

The Benadryl Challenge, which emerged in 2020, is an internet challenge that involves the deliberate consumption, excessive use, and overdose of the antihistamine medicine diphenhydramine, commonly sold as Benadryl in the United States. In high doses, diphenhydramine acts as a deliriant, leading to hallucinations and other adverse effects [1].

What is the Benadryl Challenge?

The Benadryl Challenge is an online trend that encourages young people to take dangerous amounts of diphenhydramine, commonly found in products like Benadryl. Participants are instructed to consume large doses of the medication and document the effects, such as tripping or hallucinating. This challenge gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where users shared videos of their experiences [2].

Risks and Dangers Involved

Consuming excessive amounts of diphenhydramine poses significant risks to one's health. The maximum recommended dose of diphenhydramine is six tablets for children aged 6 to under 12 and twelve tablets for adults and children over 12. However, the Benadryl Challenge encourages participants to take as many as 12 tablets at a time, well above the safe dosage limit.

Overdosing on diphenhydramine can lead to various health complications. Mild cases may result in symptoms such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and agitation. However, severe cases can lead to seizures, heart problems, coma, and even death. It is crucial to recognize that exceeding the recommended dosage can have serious consequences for one's well-being.

Reports of teenagers ending up in the hospital after participating in the Benadryl Challenge have raised concerns about the dangers associated with this trend. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the risks of taking higher than recommended doses of diphenhydramine, which can include serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Understanding the risks and dangers involved in the Benadryl Challenge is essential to safeguarding the well-being of individuals, particularly young people who may be susceptible to engaging in such trends. Education, awareness, and prevention efforts are crucial in discouraging participation in this dangerous challenge and promoting responsible and safe behavior.

Medical Implications of Diphenhydramine Overconsumption

The deliberate overconsumption of diphenhydramine, commonly known as the "Benadryl Challenge," can have severe medical implications. It is important to understand the effects on health and the symptoms of overdose associated with this dangerous trend.

Effects on Health

Overdosing on diphenhydramine can lead to adverse effects that affect various organ systems in the body. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement on September 24, 2020, advising against the challenge due to its risks. Deliberate overconsumption of diphenhydramine can result in:

Confusion
Delirium
Psychosis
Organ damage
Hyperthermia
Convulsions
Coma
Death

These effects highlight the seriousness and potential dangers associated with the Benadryl Challenge. It is critical to recognize the potential harm and avoid participating in this dangerous trend.

Symptoms of Overdose

Overdosing on diphenhydramine, such as in the context of the Benadryl Challenge, can lead to a range of symptoms. Mild cases may present symptoms such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and agitation. However, more severe cases can result in:

Seizures
Heart problems
Coma
Death

These symptoms underscore the potentially life-threatening consequences of diphenhydramine overconsumption. It is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid participating in activities that can lead to overdose or harm.

Understanding the medical implications of diphenhydramine overconsumption is essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with the Benadryl Challenge. The severity of the effects on health and the symptoms of overdose emphasize the importance of caution and responsible decision-making when it comes to medication use. It is always recommended to follow proper medical advice and to consult healthcare professionals for any concerns.

Case Studies and Hospitalizations

As the Benadryl Challenge gained attention on social media platforms, numerous cases of hospitalizations and fatalities related to the challenge have been reported. These incidents highlight the severe risks and dangers involved in participating in such challenges.

Reported Incidents

There have been several reported incidents of individuals being hospitalized after taking part in the Benadryl Challenge. One notable case involved three teenagers who were admitted to the Cook Children's Medical Center after consuming at least 14 diphenhydramine tablets [1]. Another tragic incident involved a 15-year-old who died from an overdose after participating in the challenge.

Hospital Admissions and Fatalities

The consequences of participating in the Benadryl Challenge can be severe, with hospital admissions and even fatalities occurring as a result. For instance, a 13-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, tragically lost their life after consuming over a dozen Benadryl tablets. The teenager suffered critical brain damage, convulsions, and eventually died after six days in intensive care.

These distressing incidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with the Benadryl Challenge. Overdosing on Benadryl can lead to serious health problems, including heart issues, seizures, coma, or even death, as emphasized by the US Food and Drug Administration.

It is crucial to recognize the severe risks involved in participating in such challenges and to discourage any engagement in activities that can jeopardize one's health and well-being. Authorities, medical professionals, and social media platforms have taken steps to address this issue, including warnings, content removal, and bans to prevent further harm.

Response from Authorities and Companies

In the face of the dangers associated with the Benadryl Challenge, both authorities and companies have taken action to address the issue and mitigate the risks involved.

FDA Warnings

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in September 2020 regarding the serious problems associated with high doses of diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl). This warning was prompted by the increase in cases of diphenhydramine poisoning related to the "Benadryl challenge" on TikTok. The FDA highlighted the potential for serious health consequences, such as heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death, especially when taking diphenhydramine at doses higher than recommended.

Actions by Johnson & Johnson

As the maker of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson swiftly responded to the dangers associated with the Benadryl Challenge. They issued a warning about the challenge, emphasizing its dangerous nature and urging individuals to immediately cease the ingestion of excessive quantities of diphenhydramine [5]. Johnson & Johnson also took steps to collaborate with social media platforms, including TikTok, to remove harmful content that promotes this risky behavior. By working together with these platforms, they aim to limit the exposure and dissemination of content related to the Benadryl Challenge, ultimately reducing its influence on impressionable individuals.

The response from both the FDA and Johnson & Johnson demonstrates a commitment to public safety and the well-being of individuals, particularly young people who may be vulnerable to online challenges. By issuing warnings and taking proactive measures to remove harmful content, they aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with the Benadryl Challenge and promote responsible medication usage.

Impact on Social Media Platforms

In recent times, social media platforms have played a significant role in the spread and promotion of challenges, including the dangerous "Benadryl Challenge." One platform that gained particular attention in relation to this challenge is TikTok.

TikTok's Role

TikTok, a popular video-sharing platform, became a prominent platform for the dissemination of the "Benadryl Challenge." Videos showcasing participants taking excessive amounts of Benadryl to experience hallucinations or a high were shared on the platform [1].

Content Removal and Bans

Recognizing the potential harm associated with the "Benadryl Challenge," TikTok took measures to prevent the spread of such content on its platform. The platform expressed sympathy for the affected families and reiterated that such content is strictly prohibited.

To discourage participation in harmful challenges, TikTok implemented various actions. The platform actively removes content that violates guidelines and blocks related hashtags. In an effort to limit exposure to the dangerous trend, TikTok has even banned searches for "Benadryl" on the app. This means that attempts to search for the allergy medication now result in other suggestions, such as the "bena challenge" or the "benary changle," which include videos about the dangerous trend [4].

TikTok's response to the "Benadryl Challenge" extended beyond their internal actions. The platform was contacted by the FDA regarding the dangerous videos associated with the challenge and was urged to remove any additional videos that may be posted. The FDA also advised healthcare professionals to be aware of the challenge, alert caregivers about the trend, and ensure that allergy medication and other medicines are stored securely to prevent misuse [4].

By taking proactive steps, TikTok aimed to limit the visibility and accessibility of the "Benadryl Challenge" on its platform. These measures were implemented to protect users, particularly impressionable teenagers, from the risks associated with participating in such dangerous challenges.

Education and Prevention Strategies

To address the risks and dangers associated with the Benadryl Challenge, it is crucial to implement effective education and prevention strategies. These strategies aim to inform and educate both teens and parents about the potential dangers of misusing over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Benadryl.

Educating Teens and Parents

One of the key prevention strategies is to educate teens and parents about the risks and consequences of misusing OTC medications. Many teens may not be aware that these medications can be dangerous when not taken as directed. It is important to emphasize that misusing OTC medications involves taking a higher quantity than instructed or using them for nonmedical purposes.

Education efforts should focus on raising awareness about the potential health risks and symptoms of overconsumption of medications like Benadryl. Teens need to understand that participating in social media challenges, such as the Benadryl Challenge, can have severe consequences on their health and well-being.

By providing accurate information and highlighting the serious implications of these challenges, teens can make informed decisions and reconsider engaging in risky behaviors. It is essential to emphasize that seeking validation and acceptance through dangerous challenges is not worth jeopardizing their health and safety.

Promoting Medication Safety

In addition to educating teens and parents, promoting medication safety is vital in preventing the misuse of OTC medications. This involves emphasizing the importance of using medications as directed by healthcare professionals and adhering to recommended dosages.

Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their homes and ensuring that OTC medications are stored securely. Easy access to these medications, especially during COVID-19 when teens are spending more time at home, poses a significant risk. Parents should keep medications locked away or stored in a place that is not easily accessible to teens.

Community organizations, schools, and healthcare professionals can also play a role in promoting medication safety. They can provide resources, workshops, and educational programs to inform both teens and parents about the risks associated with misusing OTC medications like Benadryl. These initiatives can empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to make responsible choices regarding medication use.

By adopting these education and prevention strategies, we can strive to reduce the incidence of dangerous online challenges and protect the well-being of teens. It is essential to create a supportive environment that encourages open conversations about the risks and consequences of misusing OTC medications, ultimately fostering a culture of informed decision-making and responsible behavior.