Poison centers across the United States are sounding the alarm after new data revealed a sharp rise in teenage abuse of common over‑the‑counter medications.

A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, which represents 53 poison centers nationwide, reported a “concerning rise” in diphenhydramine misuse among adolescents aged 13 to 19.

Diphenhydramine, an active ingredient found in popular allergy and sleep aids such as Benadryl and Zzzquil, has been increasingly linked to intentional abuse driven by online trends.

Between 2024 and 2025, total exposures to any substance among teenagers rose by 5.1 percent, but diphenhydramine‑related exposures alone spiked 32 percent. Reported cases went from 10,068 to 13,284 in that single year.

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The upward trajectory appears to be continuing into 2026. In the first five months alone, there were 6,179 diphenhydramine‑only exposures among teens, more than twice as many as the same period last year.

According to the advisory, America’s Poison Centers found that these exposures are “driven by recreational misuse rather than accidental over‑medication.”

Intentional abuse accounted for 13 percent of diphenhydramine cases in 2026, compared to 7.3 percent in 2020.

Health officials highlighted that taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can severely affect the brain and heart, occasionally leading to life‑threatening consequences.

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Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, accelerated heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and loss of consciousness.

To prevent accidental or intentional overdoses, the advisory urges households to store all medications securely, high up, and out of sight and reach of children and teens.

It also calls for close attention to label directions.

“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the notice advised.

“Be aware of social media trends or challenges that may encourage unsafe use of medications.”

Anyone who suspects medication misuse is encouraged to contact their local Poison Control Center immediately.

Benadryl’s manufacturer, Kenvue, released a statement emphasizing that “the health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority.”

A spokesperson condemned the social media trend promoting diphenhydramine misuse as “extremely dangerous” and said it “should be stopped immediately.”

“We are working with social media platform safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading,” the company added.

“We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over‑the‑counter medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine.”

Mary Leonard, senior vice president of communications and public affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, described the findings as “deeply concerning.”

She reminded the public that “OTC medicines should never be used for recreational purposes, and intentional misuse should not be confused with the safe, effective use of these products.”

Leonard noted that millions rely on diphenhydramine‑containing products for allergies, cold symptoms, motion sickness, minor skin irritations, and occasional sleeplessness when used as directed.

Because misuse can carry grave health consequences, she highlighted that the Drug Facts label clearly communicates dosage instructions, warnings, and essential safety details.

As part of prevention efforts, Kenvue advised users to follow dosing guidance available on Benadryl.com and to consult healthcare professionals if they have any questions.

Meanwhile, America’s Poison Centers reiterated a simple but critical step: always store medicines up and away in secure locations where young people cannot access them and remain vigilant about dangerous online trends that glamorize medication misuse.