Full Breakdown
Connecticut Children Die Amid Resurfacing Benadryl Challenge
6/11/2026, 6:44:40 AM
Three Children Die in Apparent Diphenhydramine Overdoses
Three Connecticut children died in the past two months after ingesting excessive diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl and other OTC products. The Office of the Child Advocate confirmed the deaths but did not establish a direct link to the online “Benadryl Challenge.” Emergency responders were called in each case.
History of the Benadryl Challenge
The “Benadryl Challenge” first appeared on TikTok in 2020, urging participants to take ten times the recommended diphenhydramine dose for hallucinations. Though its visibility waned, recent posts suggest the trend is resurfacing. Diphenhydramine is widely sold in allergy, sleep and motion-sickness remedies, making it one of the most abused OTC drugs in the United States.
Key Medical and Advocacy Voices
Dr. Gary Soffer of Yale Medicine warned that diphenhydramine overdose can cause seizures and cardiovascular effects. Dr. Melanie Collins, medical director at Connecticut Children’s Hospital, highlighted diphenhydramine’s narrow therapeutic window. Dr. Matt Giswold, head of toxicology at Hartford Hospital, said misuse often involves “10 or 20 pills more than should be taken.” Child Advocate Christina Ghio urged safe storage and noted mental-health resources.
Data and Health Risks
- Three pediatric deaths in two months.
- State data: average 17 children per day present to emergency departments for self-harm or suicidal ideation.
- Overdose may cause sedation, seizures, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, delirium, coma, or death.
- Misuse often involves taking 10–20 tablets at once, far exceeding recommended dosing.
Official Statements & Responses
The Office of the Child Advocate warned parents to lock away medications and discuss social-media risks, noting it cannot confirm a direct link to the “Benadryl Challenge.” Connecticut’s Department of Public Health and the OCA issued a joint alert on diphenhydramine safety. Kenvue said safety remains a priority and it is working with platforms to remove dangerous posts.
Quotes
- “What we are seeing across the social-media landscape is children are using it to get high.” — Dr. Gary Soffer, Pediatric Allergist, Yale Medicine
- “For anyone who takes too much Benadryl, they can be sedated, they can have seizures, they can have low blood pressure, and they can die.” — Dr. Melanie Collins, Medical Director, Connecticut Children’s Hospital
- “Instead of maybe an extra dose or two, we are talking 10 or 20 pills more than should be taken.” — Dr. Matt Giswold, Head of Toxicology, Hartford Hospital
- “We want parents to be aware that any medication, including prescription and non-prescription medication, is potentially dangerous to children of all ages.” — Christina Ghio, Child Advocate, Office of the Child Advocate
What’s Next
The OCA and the Department of Public Health are launching safe-storage campaigns and expanding outreach. Families can get crisis help via ConnectingtoCareCT.org, by dialing 211, or at local Urgent Crisis Centers. Work with social-media platforms aims to curb the challenge while mental-health services address underlying risk factors.
