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Diphenhydramine

All articles tagged with #diphenhydramine

Teens face rising Benadryl overdoses, health officials warn
health25 days ago

Teens face rising Benadryl overdoses, health officials warn

Georgia’s poison center reports a sharp rise in diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses among teens, with 278 cases year-to-date in 2026 versus 170 in 2025 (63% higher). Nationwide calls for 13- to 19-year-olds have doubled in early 2026. Experts link the trend to social media hype about using the drug to get high, warning of severe risks including seizures, abnormal heart function, coma, and death. Parents are urged to monitor social media and talk to children about the dangers of OTC medications, especially Benadryl.

Three CT Benadryl Deaths Reignite Alarm Over Dangerous Social Media Challenge
health1 month ago

Three CT Benadryl Deaths Reignite Alarm Over Dangerous Social Media Challenge

Three children in Connecticut died from diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses, renewing warnings about a dangerous social-media trend. Officials have not confirmed a link to TikTok’s Benadryl Challenge, but experts warn of ongoing misuse and urge safe storage; the FDA advises keeping medicines out of reach and locked. Diphenhydramine can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma or death when misused, a risk public health officials and clinicians have highlighted since the trend began in 2020.

Three Connecticut Children Die Amid Benadryl Overdoses as Social Media Trend Returns
health1 month ago

Three Connecticut Children Die Amid Benadryl Overdoses as Social Media Trend Returns

Three Connecticut children have died in the past two months from diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses. Doctors warn the antihistamine can cause dangerous sedation and cardiac complications, urging families to securely store medications. Officials have not confirmed a link to the Benadryl Challenge, a resurging social-media trend that promotes taking up to 24 tablets in 24 hours to induce hallucinations.

Connecticut confronts Benadryl misuse after three child deaths
health1 month ago

Connecticut confronts Benadryl misuse after three child deaths

Three Connecticut children died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, prompting state officials to warn parents about safe medication storage and the risks of misuse tied to the online 'Benadryl challenge'; health agencies are coordinating prevention efforts and stressing mental-health resources, while the drug maker urged an end to dangerous trends.

Fort Worth Benadryl Challenge: 1 Dead, Dozens Hospitalized
health2 months ago

Fort Worth Benadryl Challenge: 1 Dead, Dozens Hospitalized

In Fort Worth, the Benadryl Challenge has led to at least one death and dozens of hospitalizations at Cook Children’s Medical Center over six months, as teens ingest high doses of diphenhydramine to induce a high. Health officials warn of risks like heart rhythm problems and seizures, echoing a 2020 FDA warning, and doctors urge parents to discuss social media use with kids and tightly store medications at home to limit access.

Health Experts Question Safety and Effectiveness of Benadryl
health11 months ago

Health Experts Question Safety and Effectiveness of Benadryl

Health experts warn that Benadryl's main ingredient, diphenhydramine, is outdated and overused, with potential risks including sedation, cognitive decline, heart problems, and dangerous interactions, especially when used long-term or in excess. They recommend better education on its use and consider safer alternatives like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec, while the FDA has not yet restricted the drug.

Experts Warn Risks of Common Allergy Medications May Outweigh Benefits
health11 months ago

Experts Warn Risks of Common Allergy Medications May Outweigh Benefits

Experts warn that the risks of using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) outweigh its benefits, especially for children and older adults, due to its side effects and availability of safer, more effective alternatives like loratadine and cetirizine. They recommend moving away from this outdated medication to reduce health risks and improve allergy treatment safety.

Experts Warn Risks of Common Allergy Medications May Outweigh Benefits
health11 months ago

Experts Warn Risks of Common Allergy Medications May Outweigh Benefits

Experts warn that common allergy medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl) poses significant risks, especially for children and older adults, and recommend switching to safer, more effective second-generation antihistamines like loratadine and cetirizine, advocating for its removal from over-the-counter markets due to its outdated and dangerous profile.

Experts Warn of Risks and Safer Alternatives to Benadryl for Allergies
health11 months ago

Experts Warn of Risks and Safer Alternatives to Benadryl for Allergies

Experts warn that the risks of using the common allergy medication diphenhydramine (Benadryl) outweigh its benefits, especially for children and older adults, due to its side effects and availability of safer, more effective alternatives like loratadine and cetirizine. They call for removing it from over-the-counter and prescription markets to prevent misuse and adverse health outcomes.