Insane ‘Benadryl challenge’ resurfaces — leading to one death and sending dozens to the hospital
The 'Benadryl challenge' has resurfaced on social media, prompting health officials to warn about its dangers after one death and over 100 overdose cases in a six-month period. The trend involves teens taking high doses of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, to achieve a hallucinogenic high, despite serious health risks. Medical professionals are urging parents to speak openly with their children and to secure over-the-counter medications to prevent further harm.
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Viral Trends Insane ‘Benadryl challenge’ resurfaces — leading to one death and sending dozens to the hospital By Brooke Steinberg Published April 30, 2026, 11:53 a.m. ET Six years after the “Benadryl challenge” first appeared on TikTok, doctors are once again warning parents and teens about the deadly phenomenon re-emerging on social media. The challenge provokes people to purposely take too much Benadryl and fight the drowsy side effects that come with it, which will produce a high. Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine. When used properly, the drug is meant to relieve symptoms of seasonal or situational allergies or the common cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing.
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