The "Benadryl challenge," which started in 2020 on TikTok, is still active on social media platforms, despite the dangers of taking too much of the medication. File Photo by Alex Plavevski/EPA
Teenagers and young adults are still harming themselves as part of a social media challenge that's now five years old.
The Benadryl Challenge, which started in 2020 on TikTok, has spread to other social media platforms and is still being attempted by foolhardy young folks, researchers will report Sunday at an American Academy of Pediatrics meeting in Denver.
The challenge dares viewers to take heavy doses of over-the-counter allergy medicine containing the drug diphenhydramine. They must fight off the drowsiness caused by the meds to experience intoxication and hallucinations.
However, overdoses of diphenhydramine also can cause dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, coma and even death, researchers warn.
