What is the “Benadryl challenge”?
The Benadryl challenge is a viral phenomenon popular on the social media platform TikTok. Those who participate in the Benadryl challenge post videos challenging themselves and others to ingest large quantities of diphenhydramine in an effort to cause hallucinations. This is an example of medication misuse that has resulted in fatalities. Though the intent is usually not self-harm, the increasing incidence of this challenge warrants recognition by psychiatrists, pediatricians, and toxicologists.
Elkhazeen, A, Poulos, C, Zhang, X, Cavanaugh, J, Cain, M. A TikTok™ “Benadryl Challenge” death—A case report and review of the literature. J Forensic Sci. 2023; 68: 339–342. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.15149
Contributed by: Alexandra Fountaine