GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – A health advisory warns parents to keep over-the-counter allergy and sleep medications out of reach of children and teenagers.
America’s Poison Centers says calls to poison centers involving diphenhydramine — the active ingredient in Benadryl and some over-the-counter sleep aids — have more than doubled so far this year. Those calls involve teenagers.
The increase is linked to an online challenge where some users have documented taking excessive amounts of the drug, trying to overcome the medication’s drowsy effects and experience a euphoric feeling.
Health risks
Dr. Beth Woods, a Prevea Health pediatric cardiologist, said the Benadryl challenge is dangerous. High doses can cause confusion, hallucinations, dangerous heart rhythms, seizures, coma and death.
Warning signs to look for include unusual sleepiness or inability to wake up, vomiting and trouble walking.
If a teen may have taken too much Benadryl or any medication, doctors say to call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Advice for parents
Woods said parents should store all medications securely out of reach of kids and teens. It’s important to talk with children about social media challenges and remind them that just because something is online or available over the counter does not mean it is safe.
Diphenhydramine is found in many products, not just Benadryl. It can be found in allergy or sleep medications.
The advisory comes days after three kids in Connecticut died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses over the last two months. Officials could not confirm whether the deaths were connected to a social media challenge.
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