HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut officials are warning parents and healthcare providers about the dangers of medication misuse after three adolescents died from apparent overdoses involving diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in the allergy medication commonly sold as Benadryl, while authorities said no confirmed link has been established to a social media trend that has drawn public attention.
The Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate and the state Department of Public Health issued statements this month following the deaths, which occurred over the past two months, according to Child Advocate Christina Ghio. Officials said the fatalities involved apparent diphenhydramine overdoses but emphasized that reports connecting the deaths to a resurgence of the so-called “Benadryl Challenge” on social media remain unverified.
The “Benadryl Challenge,” which gained attention on social media platforms in 2020, involved users consuming excessive amounts of the medication in an attempt to induce hallucinations. Federal health authorities previously warned that the practice could lead to serious medical complications, including heart problems, seizures and death.
In a statement released by her office, Ghio said officials could not confirm that the recent deaths were connected to the online trend. “We want parents to be aware that any medication, including prescription and non-prescription medication, is potentially dangerous to children of all ages,” Ghio said.
State officials have not publicly released the ages or identities of the children, and details surrounding the circumstances of the deaths remain unclear. Authorities said investigations into the cases are continuing.
The deaths have prompted renewed outreach efforts by public health agencies. The Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Public Health have urged healthcare providers to discuss medication safety with families and encourage secure storage of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Officials also highlighted broader concerns about youth mental health and access to crisis-support services.
Medical experts interviewed by local media said diphenhydramine can cause severe side effects when taken in large quantities. Dr. Krishnan Narasimhan of Stamford Hospital told ABC7 that the number of recent deaths was unusual and warranted concern. He noted that the medication can affect the brain and cause significant sedation.
Social media companies have previously stated that they remove content promoting dangerous challenges and have implemented measures intended to prevent users from accessing such material. Details regarding whether any online content played a role in the Connecticut cases remain unclear.
As of Friday, Connecticut officials said no direct connection between the three deaths and any social media challenge had been confirmed. Public health authorities continued to advise parents to monitor medication access and discuss online safety and health risks with children.
