Washington Poison Center warns parents of continued dangers with the Benadryl™ Challenge
Nov 23, 2020, 13:01 ET
SEATTLE, Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center is warning parents of a dangerous trend in adolescent intentional overdose called the "Benadryl™ Challenge," which encourages individuals to induce hallucinations by ingesting large amounts of Benadryl™ (diphenhydramine). Communication and sharing of this "challenge" began early summer 2020 and is primarily spread on social media. Adolescents across the United States have been affected—the Washington Poison Center confirmed its third case requiring hospitalization last week. Intentional harm from diphenhydramine is not a new concern; the Washington Poison Center has tracked significant increases in diphenhydramine misuse, abuse, and intentional overdose among adolescents since 2011. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, this challenge and trends in intentional use are especially alarming.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly found in over-the-counter sleep aids, cough and cold medications, and allergy medications—most notably the brand name Benadryl™. Medications with diphenhydramine come in liquid or pill format.
SAFETY WITH DIPHENHYDRAMINE
For questions or emergencies involving diphenhydramine or other potentially harmful substances, call the Washington Poison Center (1-800-222-1222). If someone has lost consciousness or is having trouble breathing, call 9-1-1.
Media contact: [email protected]
SOURCE Washington Poison Center
