MA Police Warn Residents Of Deadly 'Benadryl Challenge' Social Media Trend

RAYNHAM, MA — The Raynham police warned residents of the deadly "Benadryl challenge" social media trend.

"The Raynham Police Department would like to make parents and guardians aware of a dangerous social media trend encouraging children and teens to ingest large amounts of allergy medication in an attempt to create hallucinogenic effects," the department said in a Facebook post.

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"This behavior is extremely dangerous and can result in serious medical emergencies, including seizures, heart complications, respiratory failure, and even death," the post said.

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The website Psychiatrist.com reported that a 13-year-old boy died after ingesting up to 14 Benadryl pills.

"He got the idea after watching viral "Benadryl hallucination challenge" videos on TikTok," per Psychiatrist.com.

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"Although TikTok and other social platforms have community standards prohibiting risky behavior, it tends to spread quickly among young people, sometimes leading to severe consequences," according to the site.
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The Raynham police "urge parents to remain vigilant," to monitor their children’s social media activity, keep medication, and to speak with their children "about the serious dangers of online challenges and peer pressure."

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