Health officials have raised the alarm over the viral Benadryl challenge after at least five teenagers were hospitalized in San Diego. The dangerous trend, which has circulated on social media for years, encourages young people to consume excessive amounts of the over-the-counter allergy medication diphenhydramine to induce hallucinations.
Hospitalizations in San Diego
At least five adolescents were admitted to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California, in late May after attempting the Benadryl challenge, according to local outlet KUSI. Dr. Shahfar Khan, a pediatrician at the hospital, told KUSI that most patients were aged 16 to 18, with some young adults up to age 22.
Dr. Khan explained the severe health risks associated with the challenge, including symptoms that could lead to cardiac arrest. “When you’re really taking it in large quantities, it can have an effect on various systems of the body,” he said. “It can cause agitation, hallucinations, a very fast heart rate that could lead to cardiac arrest. Seizures we see often with the Benadryl ingestion as well.”
Fortunately, none of the five patients required ongoing care and were discharged from the hospital.
Fatal Cases and Family Warnings
The Benadryl challenge has previously resulted in fatalities. In 2023, a 13-year-old boy from Columbus, Ohio, named Jacob Stevens died from an overdose after attempting the challenge. His family spoke out to raise awareness about the dangers. “It was too much for his body,” Jacob’s father, Justin Stevens, told local outlet WSYX. Jacob was on a ventilator for six days before he died. Justin called it “the worst day of his life.”
Jacob’s family urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity. “Keep an eye on what your kid’s doing with that phone. Talk to them about the situation. I want everyone to know about my son’s situation.”
Regulatory and Manufacturer Responses
The Benadryl challenge dates back to at least 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning. “Teens are participating in a dangerous ‘Benadryl Challenge’ on TikTok, which can lead to serious problems and death,” the FDA stated, adding that they were investigating reports of teen overdoses. The agency advised parents to lock up Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to prevent misuse.
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Benadryl, acknowledges on its website that the challenge is “dangerous” and “should be stopped immediately.” The company warns that “abuse or misuse of this product can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.” The Independent has contacted Kenvue for further comment.
