Diphenhydramine abuse cases among U.S. teens rose 31.9% from 2024 to 2025

America’s Poison Centers reported a 31.9% rise in diphenhydramine-only exposures among U.S. teens ages 13 to 19 from 2024 to 2025. Cases increased from 10,068 to 13,284 during that period. The first five months of 2026 recorded 6,179 such cases, more than double the same span in the previous year. Thirteen percent of 2026 cases were classified as intentional abuse, up from 7.3% in 2020.

Health effects and guidance Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in allergy and sleep products such as Benadryl and Zzzquil. Taking the medication in large amounts or for non-medical reasons can affect the brain and heart and may cause drowsiness, agitation, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, or loss of consciousness.

The centers advised storing medications out of reach of children and teens, following label instructions, and discussing medication risks with adolescents. They also urged awareness of social media trends that may promote unsafe use.

Manufacturer and industry response A spokesperson for Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue stated that the health and safety of people who use the company’s products is its top priority. The spokesperson called the social media trend promoting misuse “extremely dangerous” and said the company is working with social media platform safety teams to remove related posts.

” She said over-the-counter medicines should never be used for recreational purposes and noted that millions of Americans rely on products containing diphenhydramine when used as directed.