A dangerous trend, called the “Benadryl Challenge,” has grown popular again on TikTok, urging young people to take high doses of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl. The users take it so they can experience hallucinations.

Most often, it’s teens who are experimenting with drugs in challenges like the Benadryl challenge. They view it as an over-the-counter drug, thinking that it’s safe to take, even at high levels. (The FDA says in no uncertain terms that it’s not safe to take diphenhydramine at high levels and overdoses can lead to death.)

What Are The Risks of High Doses of Benadryl?

Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine often used to treat allergies, colds, or as a sleep aid. At normal doses, it is considered safe.

Medical research shows that when taken in high amounts, diphenhydramine acts as an anticholinergic, disrupting the nervous system and causing mental confusion, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even coma. Some users experience hallucinations when they overdose on it.

Benadryl Overdose Symptoms to Watch For

If you have a young person in your household who may be experimenting with substances, learn the symptoms of a diphenhydramine overdose. These can include:

  • Extreme drowsiness, difficulty waking up or loss of consciousness.
  • Confusion or hallucinations.
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Seizures, convulsions, or breathing problems.
  • Dry mouth, dilated pupils, or blurred vision

When a person exhibits these symptoms, it’s important to get medical help. They may seem mild, but things can go downhill quickly. Whenever a person has misused drugs, the symptoms can be unpredictable. In rare instances, Benadryl can cause heart problems such as Long QT syndrome, which can lead to a heart attack at any age.  If a young person has taken a drug in excess, it’s best to get them checked out in the emergency room.

What to Do in Case of Overdose

If someone has overdosed, immediate action is vital. Call 911 if the person won’t wake up, they have a seizure, or they have breathing trouble. When a person is conscious but has other symptoms, you can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use their online tool. Specialists can give real-time instructions based on what was taken and when.  Often, an ER trip will be needed.

Doctors warn against trying home remedies. Trying to induce vomiting or adding another substance to their system can make things worse.

Why This Trend Matters

The Benadryl Challenge is an example of how viral trends can lead young people to underestimate the risks associated with common medications. Because diphenhydramine is sold over the counter, it may appear safe, but in large amounts it can be deadly. Experts say that education and honest conversations are the best ways to keep young people safe.

Parents should stay informed on viral social media challenges and pay attention to what their children are consuming and participating in online. While TikTok dances are fun and harmless, other challenges pose serious risks. Helping teens make informed decisions about their online participation can help them lead healthier lives. Parental guidance will help them have a safer relationship with social media in general.

The “challenge” is far from harmless.

When Misuse Becomes Dependence or Addiction

Although Benadryl is not usually thought of as addictive, repeated misuse can create dangerous patterns. People may start using it often to experience hallucinations or self-medicate stress, anxiety, or depression, which can lead to dependence. Long-term overuse has been linked to psychiatric symptoms, memory problems, and frequent hospitalizations.

For people struggling with diphenhydramine misuse or other substances, help is available. Treatment options include medical detox, counseling, and support groups. Families are encouraged to respond with care, avoid judgment, and support loved ones in finding professional help. An interventionist may be able to help if you’re not sure how to get started.

To learn more about how treatment can help you break free from substance use, give us a call at 1-800-425-1564. Our consultants can help you find a path to recovery.