Minnesota Benadryl Misuse Cases Jump to Nearly 400 in 2025 as Doctors Warn Parents
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 26
Minnesota Benadryl Misuse Cases Jump to Nearly 400 in 2025 as Doctors Warn Parents
1 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 26
Summary
Nearly 400 intentional Benadryl misuse cases were reported in Minnesota in 2025 after the total more than doubled from 2024, with most involving teens ages 15 to 19.
Doctors say the revived social-media "Benadryl challenge" pushes teens to take large doses of the allergy drug and film the hallucinogenic effects.
Large doses can quickly trigger agitation, blurred vision and seizures, and in severe cases can be fatal, prompting Children's Minnesota to urge parents to seek care or call poison control immediately.
The Minnesota Department of Health said the trend first drew attention in 2020 with 184 reported cases, underscoring how quickly harmful online challenges can resurface.