ASHLAND, Ohio — The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office put out a safety bulletin on Thursday warning the community about a potentially dangerous trend emerging among young people in the area.
What You Need To Know
Sheriff Kurt Schneider said minors have been purchasing and using Benadryl to “achieve some level of recreational satisfaction”
A trend called the “Benadryl Challenge” on social media platforms, such as TikTok, caught fire late in 2025
Using more than the recommended dosage can result in life-threatening issues, including seizures, irregular heart rhythms, coma or even death
Sheriff Kurt Schneider said minors have been purchasing and using Benadryl to “achieve some level of recreational satisfaction.” Schneider said over the past several weeks, the office has investigated several incidents of young people using more than the recommended dosage, resulting in medical emergencies.
Additionally, Schneider warned young people may be providing Benadryl to some of their friends, who may also be using more than the recommended dosage.
“I’m asking local businesses, schools and the general public to be vigilant in identifying any activity harmful to our children,” Schneider wrote in the bulletin. “Additionally, I’m asking local businesses who sell over-the-counter medications, such as Benadryl, to review their policies and practices pertaining to the sale of over-the-counter medications to juveniles.”
A trend called the “Benadryl Challenge” on social media platforms, such as TikTok, caught fire late in 2025. It led to warnings from multiple health officials, including the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy.
“Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that, when used as directed, is generally safe for occasional allergy or sleep symptoms,” wrote Scott Fortune in a post on the AAOA website. “However, in large quantities, it is a potent deliriant — producing confusion, fear, memory loss, and disturbing hallucinations, rather than any benign ‘high.’”
Using more than the recommended dosage can result in life-threatening issues, including seizures, irregular heart rhythms, coma or even death, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
If you or someone you know has ingested too much Benadryl, health officials urge immediate medical help by calling 911 or by calling the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Anyone with information about similar incidents in Ashland is encouraged to call Det. Aaron Crites with the sheriff’s office at 419-289-3911.