TikTok Benadryl Challenge death incident shows us how trends become dangerous.
According to the New York Post, a 13–year–old kid from Ohio, US, died after overdosing on over-the-counter medicine while attempting a popular TikTok Benadryl challenge fad.
The boy died after taking 12 to 14 Benadryl antihistamine tablets as part of the TikTok Benadryl Challenge.
Jacob’s father, Justin, told ABC 6 that his son overdosed last weekend while at home with friends.
What is TikTok Benadryl Challenge?
The TikTok Benadryl Challenge encourages people to take dangerously high doses of the over-the-counter chemical diphenhydramine, which is often included in Benadryl and other OTC drugs. The challenge, which is aimed mostly at teens, instructs them to take 12-14 tablets at a time to produce hallucinations. Participants then video the entire encounter on TikTok to share their hallucinatory experience with others online.
Benadryl, in particular, comprises diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that relieves symptoms caused by hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is safe and effective when taken as directed by the FDA, but greater dosages can cause major cardiac problems, seizures, coma, or even death, according to CBS News.
The maximum 24-hour dose for children aged 6 to 12 is six pills, while the maximum dose for adults and children over 12 is twelve tablets. TikTok Benadryl Challenge death event illustrates how trends may turn detrimental.
A similar occurrence in 2020
A 15-year-old Oklahoma girl died after undertaking the challenge in 2020. Her aunt commented on social media at the time, ”This needs to stop kidnapping our kids or putting them in the hospital.” That was the first reported death as a result of the social media hoax.
Following the event, Johnson & Johnson released a public advisory warning about the hazards of the online challenge.
‘We recognize that consumers may have heard of an online “challenge” involving diphenhydramine usage or abuse. The challenge, which includes consuming excessive amounts of diphenhydramine, is a deadly fad that must be halted quickly. ”Benadryl and other diphenhydramine medications should be used only as indicated on the label,” a note on the page states.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also released a public service advertisement on the drug’s abuse.
”Taking higher-than-recommended dosages of the common OTC allergy drug diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can result in significant cardiac issues, seizures, coma, or even death. “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 app TikTok,” the statement said.
”Consumers, parents, and caregivers should keep diphenhydramine and any other OTC and prescription medications up and away from children’s reach and sight,” according to the statement.
What Are the Dangers of Abusing Benadryl?
Benadryl is also an anticholinergic medication, meaning it inhibits the actions of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. An anticholinergic medication prevents involuntary muscular movements. Some anticholinergic medicines, for example, can aid with urine incontinence.
Essentially, Benadryl can cause dehydration throughout your body. As a result, antihistamines such as Benadryl may have adverse effects such as:
- Extreme sleepiness
- Confusion or cognitive difficulties
- Hazy vision
- Nauseousness or vomiting
- Urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, or discomfort when peeing
- Tremor Seizures
- Blood pressure is too low.
- Changes in heart rhythm or rapid heart rate
- Falls (particularly in the elderly)
Furthermore, depending on the severity of the overdose’s effects, taking too much Benadryl might result in death.
“Just as an allergic reaction can affect multiple organ systems of the body, Benadryl can affect multiple organ systems”, Dr. Woods explained.
It is never a good idea to take too much Benadryl at any age. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can be harmful when used with pain relievers and decongestants. These drugs boost Benadryl’s effects and raise the risk of serious adverse effects.
Taking Benadryl together with any other drug might result in an unintended overdose.9 Always discuss your drugs with your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist. It’s ideal to offer an up-to-date list) so they can look for potential interactions. TikTok Benadryl Challenge death event demonstrates how trends may be deadly.
If you would like to read more about TikTok trends check out our article on TikTok’s Invisible body challenge exploited by hackers.
