Police Say, “Benadryl Challenge,” Can Be Deadly to Your Children
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
March 31, 2026
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. Police in several areas of the country have begun sending alerts to parents giving them a heads-up about a new challenge where children are consuming large quantities of over the county medicine that could make them very ill and even lead to death.
Known as the “Benadryl Challenge,” police described it as taking excessive amounts of diphenhydramine (DPH) and similar OTC medications in an attempt to induce hallucinations. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient found in Benadryl.
Police added that participants are being encouraged to take up to 12 tablets or more at once.
The maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period is six tablets for children ages 6-12 while children who are ages 12 and older/adults are advised to take a maximum of 12.
Taking more than the recommended amount can lead to nausea, seizures and death.
Below is a list of symptoms of a diphenhydramine overdose in different parts of the body:
BLADDER AND KIDNEYS
Inability to urinate
EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Enlarged pupils
Very dry eyes
Ringing in the ears
HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Agitation
Confusion
Seizures
Delirium
Depression
Drowsiness
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Increased sleepiness
Nervousness
Tremor
Unsteadiness
SKIN
Dry, red skin
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
Nausea
Vomiting
Any of these symptoms can cause a child serious medical issues or in some cases death and they will need immediate emergency care
Call 911 if you come across anyone experiencing these symptoms and get them to an emergency room immediately.
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