How far will we go for TikTok likes, comments, and shares? Is it worthwhile to jeopardise our lives? Do we even realise we’re doing it by taking part in these alleged “TikTok challenges”? The death of a 13-year-old Ohio kid has generated a lot of discussion on social media and elsewhere. And it’s all connected to the Benadryl Challenge, a viral craze that has caused an increase in overdoses among young teens and adolescents in the US. At all costs, one must refrain from taking part in or encouraging others to participate in the challenge because it is risky. Period! To find out why, scroll.
What precisely is the Benadryl Challenge on TikTok?
Unfortunately, drug misuse among teenagers is a serious social issue everywhere. It is becoming more and more common for people to combine harmful OTC medications like Benadryl and Xanax. A rise in overdoses among young teens and adolescents is being caused, in the meantime, by trends like the “Benadryl Challenge”.
The goal of the challenge is to purportedly cause hallucinations by having participants consume up to 12 Benadryl tablets at once. It should be mentioned that the maximum dose permitted in a 24-hour period for kids aged 6 to 12 is six tablets, and for adults and kids over 12 it is twelve tablets. Overdosing can cause nausea, seizures, or even death if taken excessively.
In September 2020, the first example of a death related to the social media stunt was recorded. A 15-year-old Oklahoman girl who attempted the challenge perished as a result. Her aunt had posted on social media at the time to warn youngsters attempting the TikTok challenge. Earlier this month, a 13-year-old Ohio teen Jacov Stevens died after participating in the challenge with his friends. A video reportedly showed him chugging the pills, after which his body started to “seize up”.
What has the US Food and Drug Administration said on the subject?
The Food and Drug Administration stated in a statement from September 2020 that it has looked into claims of adolescent deaths from the “Benadryl challenge” on TikTok, in which users consume huge doses of Benadryl to induce hallucinations. The agency got in touch with the social networking site to request that they take down the videos and provide a warning to users not to take more OTC medication than is advised.
“We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the ‘Benadryl Challenge’ encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok,” the FDA warning said. “As soon as we became aware of this dangerous trend, we contacted social media platforms to have the content removed,” the FDA statement further read. “We continue to monitor and work with safety teams at the various social media platforms to remove dangerous content.”
What is the purpose of taking Benadryl?
Benadryl is the over-the-counter equivalent of the medication diphenhydramine. They are frequently used to alleviate cold or allergy symptoms. Runny nose, itchy eyes, motion sickness, and insomnia are just a few of the problems that it can help with. The OTC medication is marketed in a variety of formulations, including pills, chewable tablets, and liquids in a range of strengths. One must either take the prescribed dosage specified on the medication’s packaging or obtain a prescription from a doctor or chemist. The following are the risks of overdosing:
- Dehydration
- Dry throat and mouth
- Enlarged pupils
- Ringing in the ears
- Constipation
- Dry throat
- Extreme drowsiness
- Blurry vision or tunnel vision
- Confusion or cognitive issues
- Nausea
- Inability to urinate or pain when urinating
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate or changes in heart rhythm
What Johnson & Johnson has to say about the challenge?
Benadryl’s manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, released a statement condemning the TikTok Benadryl challenge. The TikTok videos were described as an “extremely concerning and dangerous trend and should be stopped immediately,” according to the statement. “Abuse or misuse can result in serious side effects with potential long-term or even life-threatening consequences,” the drug’s manufacturer cautioned. All Benadryl medicines, according to Johnson & Johnson, “should only be used as directed by the label.”
The pharmaceutical company also recommended keeping all medications out of the reach of children. And, also noted that at that time, Johnson & Johnson was “working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that showcases this behavior”. “We will look to partner across industry and with key stakeholders to address this dangerous behavior,” Johnson & Johnson stated in a statement given to NBC.