Teen Benadryl Overdoses Surge 30% Amid National Warning

America's Poison Center issued a national warning on June 12, 2026, regarding a 30% increase in Benadryl overdoses among teenagers, specifically linked to the active ingredient diphenhydramine. Data collected from 53 poison centers revealed that cases rose from 10,068 in 2024 to 13,284 in 2025, marking a 31.9% increase.

In the first half of 2026 alone, there were 6,179 reported cases of diphenhydramine poisoning among teens, which doubled compared to the same period in 2025. The primary driver for this increase is believed to be the intentional misuse of the medication to achieve a high, similar to recreational drugs.

Health officials in Connecticut reported three deaths due to diphenhydramine overdoses in the past two months and emphasized the importance of parental awareness regarding the risks of medication misuse. The FDA previously warned against social media challenges encouraging higher doses of Benadryl, which can lead to severe health consequences, including hallucinations, seizures, and even death.