Rising Abuse of Over-the-Counter Medications Among Teens
America’s youth are increasingly misusing over-the-counter medications, reports show. Records from poison centers indicate a troubling rise in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teenagers aged 13 to 19.
Diphenhydramine, commonly used in allergy and sleep aids like Benadryl and Zzzquil, is at the center of this issue. From 2024 to 2025, there was a 5.1% rise in overall substance exposure among teens, but diphenhydramine abuse alone jumped 32%, with cases rising from 10,068 to 13,284.
This year, in the first five months alone, there were 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases, more than double the previous year. Data suggests recreational misuse is the primary cause, with intentional abuse rising from 7.3% in 2020 to 13% in 2026.
Misuse of diphenhydramine can have serious consequences. The advisory warns of effects on the brain and heart, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Symptoms of poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and unconsciousness.
To reduce these risks, America’s Poison Centers stress safe medication storage, keeping them out of reach of children and teens, and following label instructions. Discussions with teens about the dangers of medicine misuse are crucial, especially considering social media trends that promote unsafe behaviors.
If misuse is suspected, contacting local Poison Control Centers is imperative. The public is advised to be vigilant about social media content that could encourage harmful medication use.
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Benadryl, issued a statement prioritizing the safety of its users. The company urged stopping the social media trends promoting diphenhydramine misuse, as they are perilous. Kenvue is proactively working with social media platforms to remove risky content and educate the public on safe medication practices.
Mary Leonard of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association expressed deep concern over the report, emphasizing the potential health risks of misusing medications. She clarified that when used correctly, OTC medicines are safe and effective for treating symptoms such as allergies and colds.
To prevent misuse, Kenvue recommends reporting related content on social media, storing medicines securely, and educating children on appropriate use. Always refer to the label for dosing and safety information, and consult healthcare professionals if needed.
Further safety information and dosage guidelines are available on Benadryl.com. Engaging with healthcare providers can provide clarification on safe medicine use.