The warning comes after a New Jersey teenager was recently hospitalized following an intentional misuse of the over-the-county allergy medication.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ: Ocean County man charged after dog dies inside a hot car<\/a> The teen took a large dose of Benadryl on purpose in order to experience hallucinations, a practice promoted online as \u201cBenny tripping.\u201d<\/p>\n The teen was described as \u201cnot acting like themselves\u201d before experiencing symptoms like confusion, disorientation and slurred speech, requiring hospitalization, the NJ Poison Control Center said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cMany families have Benadryl and other over-the-counter medicines at home and would never expect it to send a child to the hospital. What may look harmless on a screen can become a medical emergency in real life,\u201d said Executive and Medical Director Diane Calello.<\/p>\n Too much Benadryl can cause seizures, heart problems<\/p>\n Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is a commonly used over-the-counter antihistamine. But, when taken in excessive amounts, it can cause hallucinations, severe confusion, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, loss of consciousness, and even death.<\/p>\n Poison Control urges parents to talk to teens<\/p>\n Poison Control experts are advising parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of social media challenges and medicine misuse. Help kids understand that over-the-counter medicines can be just as dangerous as prescription medicines when misuses.<\/p>\n Parents are also urged to keep these medicines locked up and out of sight, and monitor quantities when possible.<\/p>\n If someone has taken too much Benadryl or any medicine, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. The line is available 24\/7, and it\u2019s free and confidential.<\/p>\n For life-threatening emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, difficulty waking or seizures, call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n Report a correction<\/a> \ud83d\udc48 | \ud83d\udc49 Contact our newsroom<\/a><\/p>\n 2026 Asbury Park Zombie Walk [PHOTOS]<\/p>\n The 18th annual Asbury Park Zombie Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.<\/p>\n![\"NJ](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/attachment-benadryl-1-1.jpg\")
NJ Poison Control experts are warning about the consequences behind the Benadryl challenge (NJ Poison Control\/Amazon)NJ Poison Control experts are warning about the consequences behind the Benadryl challenge (NJ Poison Control\/Amazon)NJ teen hospitalized after Benadryl challenge<\/p>\n