Poison control centers across the country are sounding the alarm. Teen overdoses on Benadryl have surged more than 30% in a single year, according to a new health advisory from America’s Poison Centers.
The organization, which represents and collects data from 53 poison centers nationwide, issued the warning Friday, June 12, about an uptick in teen poisonings linked specifically to diphenhydramine — the active ingredient in Benadryl and ZzzQuil.
From 2024 to 2025, poisoning cases related to diphenhydramine jumped from 10,068 to 13,284 — a 31.9% increase. And the trend appears to be accelerating. In the first six months of 2026 alone, poison centers reported 6,179 diphenhydramine-only poisoning cases among teens, more than double the same period in 2025.
More than 13% of teen diphenhydramine-only cases in 2026 have been linked to intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.
Why Teens Are Abusing Benadryl
Intentionally taking more diphenhydramine than recommended can produce a “high” feeling, similar to some recreational drugs, primarily due to sensations of drowsiness and sedation, according to the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education.
Attempting to get high is the primary driver behind the increase in poisoning cases in teens ages 13 to 19, said America’s Poison Centers, as opposed to unintentional medical errors.
While some reports have attributed the uptick to social media trends or “challenges,” specifically on TikTok, the poison centers’ report did not explicitly mention any such trends. However, in September 2020, the FDA issued a warning about an apparent “Benadryl Challenge” that encouraged young people to take higher-than-recommended doses. Multiple teens were hospitalized or died.
On June 10, health officials in Connecticut issued a statement about three children who died of diphenhydramine overdoses in the last two months, saying they had received several inquiries about the deaths.
“What is most important is that providers and parents be aware that adolescents may misuse the medication,” the Connecticut officials said.
The Dangers of Diphenhydramine Overdose
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, hives, itching, and nausea. It also causes drowsiness and sedation. But high doses can be life-threatening.
According to the FDA and poison centers, symptoms of overdose or poisoning include:
· Drowsiness or extreme sleepiness
· Confusion or delirium
· Agitation and restlessness
· Fast heart rate
· Nausea or vomiting
· Hallucinations
· Seizures
· Irregular heartbeat
· Dilated pupils or blurry vision
· Poor coordination or muscle control
· Loss of consciousness
Abuse can lead to addiction and long-term health repercussions, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
What Parents Can Do
America’s Poison Centers recommends that parents and caregivers take simple precautions to curb the abuse of diphenhydramine:
· Store all medications, including over-the-counter products, up high, out of sight and reach of children and teens.
· Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning.
· Follow label directions carefully and never take more than the recommended dose.
· Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.
· Contact your local Poison Control Center right away if you suspect misuse or have questions: call 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org.
The Bottom Line
Teen overdoses on Benadryl (diphenhydramine) have jumped more than 30% in the United States, from 10,068 cases in 2024 to 13,284 in 2025, according to a new national warning from America’s Poison Centers. In the first half of 2026, cases have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Intentional abuse is the primary driver, with teens seeking a “high” from the medication’s sedative effects. Overdose can cause hallucinations, seizures, irregular heartbeat, coma, and death. Health officials urge parents to lock up medications, talk to their teens, and watch for social media trends that encourage misuse.
