A dangerous social media trend called the ‘Benadryl challenge’ is leading to severe health issues and even deaths, according to Dr. Eric Jorge of HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. The challenge involves consuming a dozen or more diphenhydramine pills, the active ingredient in Benadryl, with the goal of reaching peak drowsiness, fighting it, and inducing hallucinations.

Dangers of the Challenge

Dr. Jorge explained that symptoms of overdose include feeling very hot, dry and flushed skin, and confusion. He personally has seen patients who have participated in the Benadryl challenge, and many of them came in quite sick.

ABC News reports that calls to poison centers related to Benadryl have more than doubled from last year. In Connecticut, three children died from diphenhydramine overdoses.

Advice for Parents

As a parent himself, Dr. Jorge shared strategies for parents to address this issue with their children. He suggested asking open-ended questions about social media to encourage open and nonjudgmental conversations. Staying connected to a child’s digital life to monitor potential risks is also recommended.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.