by Horry County, S.C. – A 13-year-old girl from Horry County nearly overdosed after attempting the viral Benadryl challenge that has been spreading across social media platforms. The teen’s mother reported a frightening medical emergency as her daughter began hallucinating and experienced a heart rate spiking to nearly 200 beats per minute.
The incident has sparked urgent warnings from parents and health experts about the risks of following potentially life-threatening online challenges involving common over-the-counter medications.
A Frightening Ordeal with the Viral Benadryl Challenge
The girl’s experience began when she reportedly took an amount of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) far exceeding the recommended dosage after being influenced by a series of videos circulating on social media. Her mother discovered the open pill bottle with many pills missing under her daughter’s pillow, prompting immediate medical attention.
“I asked her how many she took, and she told me two but I didn’t believe her because the bottle was open and there were pills on the bed,” the teen’s mother explained. “My husband and I counted them, and we noticed a large amount was missing.”
The teenager revealed that a friend told her she could get high from taking large amounts of Benadryl, a common over-the-counter allergy medication. The mother described the shock of seeing videos of other kids attempting the same dangerous stunt.
“They were all kids doing Benadryl, and it just kind of blew my mind. I thought that was a safe medication. Not something a teenager would get into.”
Parental Warnings and Medical Concerns
The girl’s mother expressed the emotional toll of the experience, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and urging other parents to be vigilant.
“It was really hard. It was really scary. It was one of the hardest things we have been through. It really had an impact on her not being able to remember what happened that night and the next day waking up in the hospital. It scared her a lot.”
She also noted her attempts to report the videos, though they did not violate social media platform policies, highlighting the challenges in controlling dangerous viral trends online. The teen even purchased the pills herself without her parents’ knowledge during a routine store visit, demonstrating how easily young people can be exposed to such risks.
FDA Warnings Highlight Serious Risks
This incident underscores warnings previously issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2020, the FDA cautioned against taking doses of Benadryl higher than recommended, noting the potential for severe health consequences including:
- Heart problems
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
The FDA specifically stated it was aware of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge.” The agency’s warnings serve as critical reminders of the dangers of misusing over-the-counter medications for recreational purposes.
The Growing Threat of Social Media Challenges
The Benadryl challenge is among many viral trends that put teens at risk by encouraging unsafe behavior under the guise of social media entertainment. Experts and parents alike are calling for increased awareness and preventive actions to protect youth from the allure of such online dares.
For more detailed coverage of this story and to stay updated on similar news, visit People.com.
Protecting Our Children: What Every Parent Should Know
- Monitor children’s social media activity for exposure to harmful content.
- Educate teens about the risks of misusing medication and participating in viral challenges.
- Encourage open communication about peer pressure and online trends.
- Keep over-the-counter medicines out of easy reach whenever possible.
What do you think about this alarming Benadryl challenge? Have you discussed social media safety with your family? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
