The ‘Benadryl challenge’ a new hazardous social media trend on the app known as TikTok, which ultimately caused the death of an Oklahoma teen, 15, last week, and at least three texas teenagers have been hospitalized in May, according to multiple reports.
What We Know:
- Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical company is warning parents of the dangers of TikTok’s viral Benadryl challenge after several teens have overdosed while executing such stunt.
- This fatal challenge persuades participants to take several doses of diphenhydramine (Benadryl), an over-the-counter antihistamine drug, until that person trips out or starts hallucinating.
- Toxicologist and emergency medicine physician Dr. Adam Berman stated that Benadryl is safe given regular doses. As a result of an overdose, Benadryl may cause the heart to beat irregularly, leading to the heart-stopping. Doing this can cause seizures and extreme drowsiness, which could be fatal when combined.
- Benadryl is widely known to treat allergic reactions and allergies. It is currently an over-the-counter medicine.
- Medical Director from the National Capital Poison Center, Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, mentioned that when taking Benadryl at large doses may affect the brain. As stated in the description of the challenge, it may also affect the heart. If this is taken in large amounts, Benadryl may cause heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest, and death.
- New York City Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician, located at Lenox Hill Hospital, mentioned this challenge is hazardous and deadly. Some individuals may even require intubation to have a proper airway in the case of an overdose. When reaching the doses that may lead to hallucinations that this so-called ‘challenged’ calls for. As mentioned earlier, the risk for seizures and deadly cardiac arrhythmias increases significantly as well.
Managing director of Banner Poison and Drug Information Center, Maureen Roland mentioned they are urging all parents to explain the dangers of these so-called “challenges” on social media sites and tell them the risk of actively participating or motivating other to participate. Any exposure to such drug or anyone with concerns reach out to Poison Control 24/7.
