What is Tiktok Benadryl Challenge? Why it is so dangerous?
by A Maria | Updated Apr 19, 2023
TikTok
Chinese company ByteDance owns the short-form video hosting platform TikTok, also known as Douyi in China. It consists of various short-form user videos from the users for their daily content. Each video lasts only 10 to 15 minutes and will portray different kinds of pranks, stunts, tricks, jokes, dancing, and entertainment.
It was first launched in the Chinese market as a Douyin network in September 2016, whereas TikTok was a popular app that could be used worldwide. Most people outside mainland China saw the release of TikTok on devices like iOS and Android in 2017. However, the app only worked globally on 2 August 2018, when it was connected with Musical.ly, another Chinese social media site.
What is Tiktok Benadryl Challenge?
The "Benadryl challenge" is an online trend that originated on social media platforms such as TikTok. It encourages young people to consume dangerously high doses of the over-the-counter drug diphenhydramine (DHP) to induce hallucinations, which is commonly found in medications like Benadryl. The challenge urges participants to take up to 12-14 tablets at a time to supposedly induce hallucinations.
However, it is important to note that the recommended maximum dose of diphenhydramine is six tablets for children between 6 to under 12 years of age and 12 tablets for adults and children over 12 years of age, in a 24-hour period. Consuming more than the recommended amount can result in adverse side effects, including nausea, seizures, and even death.
Why the Tiktok Benadryl Challenge is so dangerous?
The 'Benadryl Challenge' is a dangerous trend that has emerged on social media platforms, particularly targeting teenagers. It encourages participants to consume excessive amounts of diphenhydramine, an over-the-counter drug commonly found in products such as Benadryl and other OTC medications, to induce hallucinations.
Participants often record and share their experiences on TikTok. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can relieve symptoms of hay fever, respiratory allergies, and the common cold. While diphenhydramine is generally safe when used as directed, taking more than the recommended dose, such as 12-14 pills at a time, can result in serious health complications, including heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
The maximum recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years old is 12 tablets in a 24-hour period, while the limit for children aged 6 to 12 is six tablets. Symptoms of an overdose include dry mouth and throat, constipation, dehydration, extreme drowsiness, tremors, blurry vision, rapid heart rate, seizures, and difficulty urinating.
What are the side effects of Benadryl challenge?
A family from Ohio is warning people about the dangers of the viral Benadryl challenge on TikTok after their 13-year-old son died from an overdose while attempting to do it. The challenge involves taking 12 to 14 pills of the over-the-counter drug to induce hallucinations. However, in the case of Jacob Stevens, the teen began to have seizures and died.
His family shared a photo of him in the hospital to show others the impact of the challenge. The FDA issued a warning about the challenge in 2020 after it was linked to the death of a 15-year-old girl in Oklahoma and sent teenagers to the emergency room.
The Stevens family plans to advocate for age restrictions on medications like Benadryl. TikTok banned the challenge's hashtag in 2020, and CEO Shou Zi Chew has emphasized the app's safety measures, particularly for teenagers, as a top priority.
About TikTok
Developer
ByteDance
Date of release
September 2016
Operating system
iOS
iPadOS
Android
Size
278.3 MB (iOS)
265.2 MB (iPadOS)
88.0 MB (Android)
Type
Video sharing
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
What is Tiktok Benadryl Challenge - FAQs
The Chinese corporation ByteDance owns the short-form video hosting service TikTok, also known as Douyin in China.
It features a wide range of short-form user videos, with lengths ranging from 15 seconds to ten minutes, in genres such as pranks, stunts, tricks, jokes, dancing, and entertainment.
The Rewards Program on TikTok is another feature. The TikTok Rewards program, as the name suggests, "rewards" you for using TikTok.
The Chinese market first saw the launch of Douyin in September 2016, while TikTok is the app's worldwide counterpart.