A 13-year-old Ohio boy is dead after attempting a viral challenge on the social media app, TikTok. The “Benadryl Challenge” involves taking a dangerous amount of the over-the-counter antihistamine in order to induce hallucinations. Jacob Stevens, 13, of Columbus was taking part in the challenge when he died.
The trend first appeared in 2020 when teens began posting videos of themselves taking 12 to 14 Benadryl, which is six times the recommended dose. Jacob’s father, Justin Stevens, told ABC 6 that his son was at home with friends when he overdosed last weekend. The friends recorded Jacob taking the pills, after which his body started to seize up. He was taken to the hospital and spent six days on a ventilator before he tragically passed away.
Now Justin Stevens is warning other parents about the extreme dangers of social media.
“Keep an eye at what they’re doing on that phone,” he said. “Talk to them about the situation. I want everyone to know about my son.”
Sadly, this is not the first time a child has died from the Benadryl Challenge. In 2020, Chloe Phillips of Oklahoma died after overdosing on the antihistamine so she could post her reaction on TikTok.
Benadryl released a statement regarding the situation.
“We understand that consumers may have heard about an online ‘challenge’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine. The challenge, which involves ingestion of excessive quantities of diphenhydramine, is a dangerous trend and should be stopped immediately. Benadryl products and other diphenhydramine products should only be used as directed by the label.
Collaboration and education are critical to putting an end to this dangerous misuse. We are working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that showcases this behavior. We will look to partner across the industry and with key stakeholders to address this dangerous behavior.
If you believe that you or someone you know has taken Benadryl or other diphenhydramine products in a manner not directed by the label, please contact your local poison control center.”
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