Teen Benadryl Poisoning Cases Hit 6,179 in Early 2026 as Social Media Trends Fuel Misuse

3 articles · Updated · NBC 15 WPMI · Jun 26

6,179 diphenhydramine-only teen exposure cases were reported in the first five months of 2026, more than double the level seen in the same period of 2025, according to America’s Poison Centers.
Mobile County health officials tied the rise to social media-driven misuse of Benadryl, an over-the-counter allergy drug that teens may wrongly assume is harmless.
High doses can trigger extreme drowsiness, confusion, rapid heart rate, hallucinations, seizures and life-threatening heart rhythm problems, the department said.
The health department urged parents and caregivers to discuss medication misuse with teens, watch for risky online trends, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency care in suspected overdoses.

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