Adults know that teens enjoy their privacy as they begin to stretch their independence into adulthood. Sometimes though, adults fail to be aware of what their teens may be exposed to online. The TikTok Benadryl Challenge is a dangerous trend parents and grandparents need to know about.
Since this online challenge began, one 15-year-old in Oklahoma has died, and at least three teens in Texas have been sent to the hospital. There may still be cases yet to be reported.
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The TikTok Benadryl Challenge requires the participant to take multiple doses of over-the-counter Benadryl. The participant has to take enough of the medicine until they begin to hallucinate.
Dr. Adam Berman weighed in on the controversy. He is a medicine physician and toxicologist at Long Island Jewish Health Medical Center at Northwell Health in New York.
“In normal doses, Benadryl is safe. In an overdose, Benadryl can cause the heart to beat irregularly, which could eventually lead to the heart stopping. It can also cause seizures and extreme drowsiness, which could be fatal when combined.”
Benadryl treats allergies and is not for purposes of entertainment. Somehow this trend has started on TikTok and gained popularity.
The company that manufactures Benadryl, Johnson and Johnson, sent a statement to Fox News. In the letter, they highlighted concern over the growing fad.
“The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority. The BENADRYL TikTok trend is extremely concerning, dangerous and should be stopped immediately. As with any medicine, abuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting consequences, and BENADRYL® products should only be used as directed by the label. It is our strong recommendation that all medications be kept out of the reach of children at all times. We are working with TikTok and our partners to do what we can to stop this dangerous trend, including the removal of content across social platforms that showcase this behavior.”
Anyone who suspects someone is a poison victim, should call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24/7 year-round.
Parents, be encouraged that talking to your teen is not you attempting to prevent their “fun”. Instead, you are role-modeling positive behaviors for your children. Not everything popular is helpful for living a healthy life.
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“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Sacrificing popularity by following a trend will allow teens to live a healthier and brighter future.
h/t: Fox News
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.