Amid social media challenge, calls to poison centers for Benadryl among teens more than double this year than last

Calls to poison centers for Benadryl-related incidents among teens have more than doubled this year compared to last, according to coverage. Three children in Connecticut have died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, though officials have not yet confirmed a direct link to the resurgent 'Benadryl Challenge' trend. The challenge, previously documented on social media, involves teens ingesting excessive doses of the antihistamine, often with potentially fatal consequences.

Coverage emphasizes the severity of the situation, with local and national outlets—including *USA Today*, *ABC News*, and regional stations like *WTNH.com*—highlighting the need for parental vigilance. Health authorities are urging parents to monitor their children’s medication use and secure over-the-counter drugs. Connecticut officials have issued a formal warning after the recent deaths, while medical professionals stress the risks of accidental or intentional overdoses.

What to watch next: Authorities may expand warnings to other states as cases rise. Social media platforms could face pressure to remove or restrict content promoting the challenge. Poison control centers may see continued strain as calls escalate, though no new fatality links to the challenge have been confirmed beyond the three Connecticut cases.