How a Viral Trend Sent a New Jersey Teenager to the Hospital

Teens call it "Benny tripping," but Poison Control experts call it a medical emergency

The New Jersey Poison Control Center experts are warning parents, caregivers, educators and teens about the dangers of a social media trend known as "Benny tripping" after poison specialists were involved in the medical management of a New Jersey teenager who was hospitalized following the intentional misuse of Benadryl.

The teenager intentionally took a large dose of Benadryl in an attempt to experience hallucinations, a practice promoted online as "Benny tripping" or the "Benadryl Challenge." The teen was described as "not acting like themselves" before symptoms progressed to confusion, disorientation and slurred speech, requiring hospitalization.

"Many families have Benadryl and other over-the-counter medicines at home and would never expect it to send a child to the hospital," said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. "What may look harmless on a screen can become a medical emergency in real life."

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is a commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. When taken in excessive amounts, it can cause hallucinations, severe confusion, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, loss of consciousness and even death.

How parents can help prevent medicine misuse:

• Talk with teens about the dangers of social media challenges and medicine misuse.
• Keep medicines, including over-the-counter medicines such as Benadryl, locked up and out of sight and monitor quantities when possible.
• Children and teens shouldn't have unsupervised access to medicines. Parents and caregivers should maintain oversight and administer medicines whenever appropriate.
• Help children and teens understand that over-the-counter medicines can be just as dangerous as prescription medicines when misused.

If someone has taken too much Benadryl or any medicine, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately. Free, confidential expert medical guidance is available 24/7 by calling the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or chatting online.

For life-threatening emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, difficulty waking or seizures, call 911 immediately.