Thai officials warn TikTok ‘Benadryl Challenge’ can be fatal

Caitlin AshworthPublished: 16:09, 06 October 2020| Updated: 16:09, 06 October 2020

235 1 minute read

Thai officials warn TikTok ‘Benadryl Challenge’ can be fatal

PHOTO: Flickr: John Nakamura Remy

Thai officials are warning about the potentially fatal “Benadryl Challenge” where people take a large dose of the antihistamine to hallucinate and then post a video of the dare on the social media platform TikTok. After a number of teenagers around the world reportedly overdosed, and some even died after doing the challenge, the Thailand Food and Drug Administration is warning people that taking large amounts of Benadryl is dangerous.

Taking large dose of diphenhydramine, an ingredient in Benadryl, can cause irregular heart beats, hypertension and heart attack, according to FDA secretary general Supattra Boonserm. The antihistamine is used to treat respiratory allergies like runny nose and sneezing. Drowsiness is a common side effect. Only 1 to 2 capsules directed to be taken every 4 to 6 hours to treat symptoms.

Caitlin Ashworth

Caitlin Ashworth is a writer from the United States who has lived in Thailand since 2018. She graduated from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies in 2016. She was a reporter for the Daily Hampshire Gazette In Massachusetts. She also interned at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia and Sarasota Herald-Tribune in Florida.