Concerns around ‘Benadryl challenge’ resurface after 2 youth in Cobourg sent to hospital

Two youth were recently sent to hospital after reportedly ingesting over-the-counter medication believed to be Benadryl. /Sarah Hyatt photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Police and public health leaders are urging families and guardians to talk about the dangers of misusing over-the-counter medications with kids and teens after two recent drug-poisoning incidents involving youth in the Cobourg area.

Earlier this month, the Cobourg Police Service put out the call after two incidents led to hospitalizations.

“In both incidents, youth were transported to hospital for medical treatment after reportedly ingesting an over-the-counter medication believed to be Benadryl,” said CPS. “While the circumstances surrounding the incidents remain under investigation, they serve as an important reminder of the serious health risks associated with the misuse of medications.”

Inquiries by the Independent around potential injuries and whether they were deemed serious, non-serious or life-threatening weren’t answered by a Cobourg police spokesperson at press deadline. However, the spokesperson did confirm there had been no additional similar incidents.

“Recent reports in Canada have also highlighted concerns about the social media ‘Benadryl challenge,’ encouraging the excessive consumption of diphenhydramine, a medication commonly used to treat allergies,” explained Cobourg police.

In Canada, earlier this year, an Ottawa Valley area parent warned others of the dangerous TikTok challenge after her 13-year-old daughter was hospitalized, CTV News reported back in March.

Global News just reported in May how Nipissing First Nation had also issued an alert as the challenge resurfaced online.

According to several media reports – including in the U.S. where there was one reported death involving a 15-year-old Oklahoma teen from a diphenhydramine overdose – the challenge first gained attention in 2020.

“Even over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl can cause serious medical complications when taken in amounts exceeding the recommended dosage,” stressed Cobourg police, while calling on parents and caregivers to speak with kids and teens about the dangers of participating in these online challenges and misuse of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

In the wake of these reports, the Independent also reached to the Port Hope Police Service and Northumberland OPP.

“At this time, Northumberland OPP has not responded to any reported incidents involving youth ingesting over-the-counter medications, including any occurrences believed to be connected to the so-called challenge,” Const. James Clarke told the Independent. “That said, we encourage parents, guardians, educators and youth to be mindful of online trends that may promote dangerous behaviour.

“Misuse of over-the-counter medications can have serious health consequences and should not be taken lightly,” stressed Clarke.

At press deadline, acting Staff-Sgt. Jeffrey Higgins also told the Independent there had been no incidents reported to the Port Hope Police Service.

“We are aware of lots of the internet challenges, but no youth have reported anything to us as of yet,” said Higgins.

Another PHPS spokesperson also confirmed with the Independent that there had been no reports specifically related to the “Benadryl challenge.”

At a regional level, Kate Hall, a substance use prevention and harm reduction program co-ordinator with Lakelands Public Health, noted officials at this time do not have any more local information than what police have provided.

Hall has also echoed the dangers associated with such challenges and misuse of medications.

“Taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, in a way other than as directed by medical professionals can have dangerous or even fatal effects,” explained Hall. “It is important that parents be aware of these types of ‘online challenges’ and talk with their children about the risks of misusing any medications or substances,” added Hall, in response to Independent inquiries.

Hall also reiterated that Lakelands Public Health remains committed to providing community education on and around preventing harmful substance use.

TIPS FROM COBOURG POLICE:

• Talk openly with youth and teens about social media trends and online challenges.

• Remind youth and teens that over-the-counter medications can have dangerous consequences when misused.

• Store medications securely and monitor quantities kept at home.

• Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose or adverse reaction is suspected.

• Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 immediately.

• For information and help related to drug poisonings, the Ontario Poison Centre is also a resource by calling 1-800-268-9017.