3 Connecticut Children Died From Apparent Benadryl Overdoses

Three Connecticut children have died from apparent diphenhydramine, or Benadryl, overdoses in the past two months, according to the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate.

In a statement, OCA spokesperson Christina Ghio said the agency is urging parents to ensure all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, are stored safely and kept out of children's reach.

"We want parents to be aware that any medication, including prescription and non-prescription medication, is potentially dangerous to children of all ages," Ghio said.

The agency also highlighted the growing need for mental health support, noting that an average of 17 children present to Connecticut emergency departments each day for self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly sold under the Benadryl brand name and in generic allergy medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that taking higher-than-recommended doses can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma and death.

The deaths come as health officials continue to warn about the so-called "Benadryl Challenge," a social media trend that encourages participants to take excessive amounts of the medication in an attempt to induce hallucinations.

The challenge gained national attention after reports of hospitalizations and at least one teen death, prompting warnings from the FDA and Benadryl manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

Health experts have said social media challenges can be particularly appealing to teenagers seeking validation from peers online, while also warning that many young people may not realize over-the-counter medications can be dangerous when misused.

The Office of the Child Advocate did not indicate whether the recent Connecticut deaths were connected to the social media challenge.

Resources are available through Connecting to Care Connecticut, by dialing 211 and through the state's Urgent Crisis Centers in Hartford, Waterbury and New London.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call or text 988 for immediate assistance.