Deadly TikTok Trend: Teens Risking Overdose in Risky ‘Benadryl Challenge’
updated 1:01 PM EST, Wed January 23, 2026
A 13-year-old in Ohio recently died after ingesting a large amount of Benadryl while participating in a dangerous TikTok challenge, according to reports from a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account established by his family. jacob Stevens was with friends at home when he took part in the challenge, which involves consuming high doses of the antihistamine, and was on a ventilator for nearly a week before succumbing to the effects WSYX.
This incident is not isolated. the “Benadryl Challenge” has been circulating online for years, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue warnings about the perhaps fatal consequences of misusing the medication. overdosing on Benadryl can lead to “serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death,” the FDA stated in a 2020 public warning FDA.
The challenge encourages users to take high doses of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, in an attempt to experience hallucinations American Addiction Foundation. Experts have expressed serious concern, describing the trend as a form of experimentation with drugs and a potential gateway to addiction VICE.
This dangerous trend has been linked to multiple deaths over the past five years, with the first reported fatality occurring in 2020 when a 15-year-old girl in Oklahoma died after participating in the challenge Forbes.
TikTok has stated that it strictly prohibits and removes content promoting dangerous behavior, prioritizing the safety of its community. The platform claims to have blocked searches related to the challenge for years and employs a team of 40,000 safety professionals to remove violating content and encourages users to report concerning material CNN.
Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Benadryl, has also condemned the challenge, calling it “dangerous” and urging individuals to only use the product as directed Benadryl. The company is collaborating with TikTok and other social media platforms to remove content related to the challenge and is seeking partnerships to address the issue.
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. The FDA emphasizes that it is safe and effective when used as directed. Diphenhydramine is available under various brand names, including Benadryl, as well as in generic formulations and combination products.
The FDA and health officials urge parents and consumers to store all medications, including Benadryl and other over-the-counter and prescription drugs, out of the reach of children.
CNN has reached out to the Stevens family and columbus Public Health for further comment.
