Benadryl abuse among teens spikes amidst social media challenge: Poison Center calls more than double in 2026

There’s an old, dangerous trend making its way back onto teens’ screens, and it’s got health officials worried — once again.Poison control centers across the United States are seeing a spike in calls involving teenagers and Benadryl, the over-the-counter allergy medicine, as reported by ABC News.

In fact, in just the first five months of 2026, reports have more than doubled compared to last year.

That’s according to a fresh warning from America’s Poison Centers, and the culprit seems clear: the “Benadryl Challenge” has returned. This viral social media stunt dares young people to take big doses of the drug in hopes of hallucinations or a quick, euphoric high.This time around, experts aren’t just blaming the medicine.

They’re questioning how social media keeps putting risky ideas in front of kids. The numbers speak volumes. Poison control centers fielded 6,179 calls about Benadryl-only exposures among teens ages 13 to 19 during the first part of 2026, which is more than double what they saw at this time last year. The jump continues a troubling rise, with cases climbing from 10,068 in 2024 to nearly 13,300 in 2025, a jump of nearly 32%.

That’s almost a third higher in just one year.

What is the ‘Benadryl Challenge’?

This trend popped up back in 2020, mostly on TikTok and similar platforms. The whole thing is simple and quite dangerous: kids take way too much Benadryl on camera to try to trip out, then share their experience online. Medical experts, toxicologists, and even the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quickly warned that high doses could cause anything from extreme agitation and seizures to heart failure or even death.Even though social media companies pulled down the videos, the challenge never really disappeared. Sometimes it fades out, then comes roaring back under a different name or hashtag.This latest spike isn’t about kids accidentally taking too much medicine. America’s Poison Centers reports that 13.2% of these teen Benadryl calls in 2026 were intentional, which is up from 7.3% just six years ago.Read more: Why are experts warning against Benadryl?

Why is Benadryl dangerous in high doses?

Benadryl is generally considered safe when used according to label instructions.

It is commonly taken to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. However, the medication can become extremely dangerous when consumed in excessive amounts. Benadryl’s active ingredient, diphenhydramine, hits the brain and nerves hard in big doses. Overdose can trigger confusion, rapid heartbeat, frightening hallucinations, uncontrollable shaking, passing out, or worse.

Doctors warn that these hallucinations aren’t fun — they’re more likely to be scary or simply disorienting.

Serious cases end up in the ER with dangerous heart arrhythmias, sometimes in a coma.

Recent deaths heighten concerns

This warning didn’t come out of nowhere. A few days ago, health officials in Connecticut revealed that three teenagers died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses over just two months. Investigators aren’t saying these deaths are a direct result of the social media challenge, but it’s hard to ignore the timing. For parents and doctors, the lesson is the same: anyone can buy this medicine, and taking too much is deadly.And if you think this is a new problem, think again. Over the last several years, hospitals have reported teens landing in the ER, and some losing their lives, after trying the challenge.Read more: Social media trend turns fatal: Ohio teen dies weeks after attempting the 'Benadryl Challenge'

What are experts advising parents to do?

First and foremost, upfront and honest conversations matter a great deal and go a long way.America’s Poison Centers want families to lock up these medications, watch for online trends, and talk openly with teens about the dangers of misusing both prescription and over-the-counter meds.

A lot of kids still believe medicine from the drugstore is basically harmless, but it’s not, especially in large doses.Parents also need to pay attention to what their kids are seeing online. If there’s a viral challenge making waves, bring it up. Experts say the best approach is calm honesty, not scare tactics. Let teens know that social media trends like this aren’t just stunts — they can land you in the hospital, or worse.The bottom line? Benadryl is safe when used correctly, but a handful of pills isn't a shortcut to fun. It’s a shortcut to the ER.