Medical Experts Warn Tiktok’s ‘Benadryl Challenge’ Could Be Fatal
Multiple reports said that 'Benadryl challenge is a dangerous fad on social media,' particularly on the TikTok mobile app that resulted in the death of a teenager in Oklahoma last week.
Multiple reports said that "Benadryl challenge is a dangerous fad on social media," particularly on the TikTok mobile app that resulted in the death of a teenager in Oklahoma last week and hospitalization in May, of at least three teenagers from Texas.
The deadly challenge persuades TikTok users to take several doses of Benadryl, an antihistamine drug available over the counter.
Such a challenge reaches a point that the one is taking the doses of Benadryl experiences hallucinations. Northwell Health/Long Island Jewish Medical Center emergency medicine physician and toxicologist, Dr. Adam Berman said he would say that this TikTok challenge "may look fun," but could be fatal. Dr. Berman reiterated that this challenge is undoubtedly "dangerous and potentially lethal."
The doctor added, in the usual dosage, the said drug is safe. However, in a singular overdose, Benadryl can lead the heart to irregular beating and eventually stop.
Taking Benadryl can also lead to seizures and excessive drowsiness, which could be deadly when combined, explained Berman, who's also the associate chair of emergency medicine.
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Benadryl Explained
Benadryl is an antihistamine medicine typically available over-the-counter for allergy and allergic reaction treatments.
According to the National Capital Poison Center's medical director, Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, even though the drug is available over the counter and is safe, severe toxicity can happen when used in excessive amounts.
Also, a medical toxicology physician said, "Benadryl ingestion can impact the brain"-the reason for hallucinations that are even explained in the TikTok challenge's description. This, Dr. Johnson-Arbor added, can also affect the heart.
Benadryl, the doctor, explained that when taken in large doses, it can result in "heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest" and, eventually, death.
A Dangerous Challenge
Consequently, according to emergency physician Robert Glatter from the New York City-based Lenox Hill Hospital, participating in such a challenge like this one of TikTok's "is inherently dangerous and can be deadly."
Dr. Glatter added individuals might need to be intubated to secure their airway in the event of a significant overdose.
This means Glatter explained that as an individual reaches the dose that causes hallucinations that this particular TikTok challenge calls for, the Danger for seizures and fatal cardiac arrhythmias considerably increases.
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Johnson and Johnson's Stand
Benadryl maker, Johnson and Johnson issued a statement saying, The health and safety of people who use their products are the company's top priority.
Furthermore, the company said, the Benadryl challenge is tremendously worrying, dangerous, and should be stopped right away.
Johnson and Johnson also said it is currently working with the Chinese-owned firm and its partners to put a stop to the life-threatening challenge.
Part of its initiative is the deletion of content across social media platforms that exhibit this behavior. Meanwhile, news reports said, physicians have told parents it is essential for them to try shielding their children from this particular challenge.
'Benadryl Challenge' Reportedly Killed 3 Teens in July
In mid-July, three individuals reportedly got the idea of ingesting large doses of Benadryl after watching TikTok videos that claimed "they could get high and hallucinate" by taking large quantities.
According to reports, the "Benadryl Challenge" and other similar challenges involving teenagers are not new to social media.
Since the global health crisis, teenagers have reportedly focused mainly on discovering more of their talents, skills, and many other things they can do on social media.
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Sep 01, 2020 08:00 AM EDT
