Benadryl Challenge: What Parents Need to Know
Become a member or log in to view this course
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.

In this course you will learn
- Why and how students are participating in the dangerous social media challenge
- Real world examples of how this is dangerous from news across the country
- Learn tips on how to talk with your students about this challenge and its dangers
Login or join the VIP membership today to view all SmartSocial.com resources about the Benadryl Challenge!
Become a member or log in to view this course
Superintendents, Directors and Principals: Request a partnership on this page to unlock our resources for your whole community.
Parents and Teachers: This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Green Zone.
We believe this app is a STARTING POINT for your student, but that you must monitor your student on every app they are on. Join our weekly newsletter to learn about the 100+ App Reviews at SmartSocial.com
Parents and Teachers: Please note this app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Gray Zone.
Parents should participate in these apps with students to keep them safe.
Join our weekly newsletter to learn about the 100+ App Reviews at SmartSocial.com
Parents and Teachers: This app is listed in the SmartSocial.com Red Zone. We believe this app is not safe for students to use without adult supervision. Join our weekly newsletter to learn about the 100+ App Reviews at SmartSocial.com
Parents and Teachers: This app is listed as a Dangerous Social Media Challenge. Knowing about social media challenges before your teen does can help you keep them safe before an incident occurs. Join our weekly newsletter to learn about the 100+ App Reviews at SmartSocial.com
Table of Contents

The Benadryl challenge is a viral trend that encourages users to take a large dose of medication, like Benadryl. Some users report experiencing hallucinations. The challenge is dangerous and medical experts and manufacturers have posted warnings about the challenge.

What is the Benadryl Challenge? (aka Hallucination Challenge)
- Users take excessive amounts of the medication normally used for allergy relief with the hopes of inducing hallucinations
- Challengers record themselves while on the medication and then share their experiences online with hashtags #Benadryl or #BenadrylChallenge
- The challenge started on TikTok in 2020, but has spread to other social media over time around the country
What the news says

One perspective that younger kids have is that because it’s over-the-counter, because it didn’t come from my doctor, it’s not harmful. But some over-the-counter medicines can be even more harmful than those prescribed.

The dose that can cause a hallucination is very close to the dose that can cause something potentially life-threatening…

In Fort Worth, Texas, Cook Children’s Hospital said it treated three teens in May from Benadryl overdoses after they were challenged on the app. The FDA said it is ‘investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported.’
NY1
Why should parents care?
- Students may feel peer pressure to participate in this challenge. Taking medication that is legal, illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter is dangerous for teens
- Taking high-quantities of medicine against the label’s instruction is dangerous for any user regardless of what they see others experience
What can parents do about this social media challenge?
- Above all, contact your local poison control center or 911 if you believe someone has taken medication
- Even though TikTok says they are removing mentions of this dangerous challenge, teens may still be talking about it. It may also be seen on unmoderated social media apps or websites
- Get involved and talk with your student about peer pressure on social media. Also, discuss ways to report or block bullying if they feel pressured to partake in dangerous challenges
- Remind students that users don’t always share their full experiences in their social media posts. For instance, others have likely not shared their negative side effects of the challenge
- ~ Explain the medical consequences of taking any medication or drugs
Additional resources
MomTalk with Beth & Andrea
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Benadryl challenge resurfaces on various social media and messaging platforms throughout the year. Teens want to connect with others users who seem to be “safe” despite taking high-doses of medication. This challenge is dangerous. Seek immediate medical assistance if anyone takes medication in a manner not directed by the label. Call your local poison control center or 911.
Logged in and still not seeing content? This course may not be part of your membership plan. Click here to join.
Share Your Thoughts With Our Team
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *