A 13-year-old boy in Ohio died as a result of a viral TikTok challenge. News.com.au reports that the challenge involves swallowing up to 14 Benadryl pills to induce hallucinations and has already resulted in hospitalizations among Australian teenagers.
Experts are now calling for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
Viral TikTok Challenge Leads to Lethal Overdose
Jacob Stevens of Ohio was rushed to the hospital after ingesting a lethal dose of antihistamine allergy medication.
Stevens' father told ABC6 that his son's body began to shut down after six days of life support, and his family decided to let him go because his brain functions had ceased.
Jacob's father, Justin, is now dedicated to warning parents and teens about the dangers of social media and has shared a photo of Jacob hooked up to life support in the hospital to raise awareness.
The "Benadryl Challenge" is thought to have begun in 2022 and has already caused significant damage.
US FDA Sounds Alarm on Benadryl TikTok Challenge
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement in 2020 warning of the dangers of participating in the challenge, and it is aware of reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying as a result.
The challenge has prompted calls for action, including age restrictions on over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl and imposing age restrictions for creating accounts on TikTok, forcing users to provide identification before being allowed on the platform.
After the trend gained popularity, ambulance services in Australia also confirmed an alarming number of call-outs in recent weeks.
Side Effects of Benadryl Overdose
Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, have long been used as a quick fix for allergies, but they can have serious side effects that affect your entire body.
Dehydration is one of the most severe side effects of Benadryl. Antihistamines inhibit histamine production, which can cause dry mouth and throat and decreased sweating - leading to dehydration.
While dehydration can cause various problems, it can also exacerbate Benadryl's side effects. Some common side effects of dehydration include extreme drowsiness, confusion, blurry vision, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty urinating.
Benadryl manufacturer Johnson and Johnson issued a warning in the wake of its popularity, stating that excessive amounts of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, can be dangerous and should be discontinued immediately.
The tragic death of Jacob Stevens has highlighted the risks associated with social media trends, as well as the need for increased awareness and regulation to prevent further harm.
Dangerous TikTok Trends
Instances of TikTok trends resulting in fatalities are not unprecedented. In 2021, a viral TikTok challenge known as the Strangulation Challenge claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy who had attempted to participate in the trend.
The following year, the FDA issued a warning about a NyQuil TikTok challenge that has also gone viral. The agency confirmed that some of the challenge participants were hospitalized.
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