Benadryl poison reports rise from 4,618 in 2020 to 5,960 in 2023
When I first saw a tweet about teens snorting Benadryl at a house party, I thought it was a joke. The poison-control logs, however, tell a different story. Over the past few years those centers have recorded a noticeable uptick in calls involving diphenhydramine - an over-the-counter antihistamine many parents know only as a sleep aid.
It seems a growing slice of teenagers are trying its hallucinogenic side effects, probably because the pills are cheap and easy to get, making them a tempting stand-in for harder drugs. Public-health researchers have been crunching the numbers and they appear to show a shift in how “deliriants” are slipping into the margins of teen culture. It’s unclear how much the easy availability drives the trend, but the pattern does raise doubts about what young people consider a normal buzz.
The recent article in *Pediatrics Open Science* points out that this isn’t a one-off spike; the climb looks steady, echoing wider worries about non-prescribed drug use among youths. The chart below makes that rise pretty obvious.
In 2020, there were 4,618 cases reported to US Poison Centers for Benadryl usage; that number climbed to 5,960 in 2023, according to a study published in Pediatrics Open Science in August. Benadryl and deliriants in general have embedded themselves as staples on the fringes of the American youth--a cheap and easy way to get fucked up. WIRED reached out to Benadryl manufacturer Kenvue for comment. A spokesperson for the company stated, "This behavior is extremely concerning and dangerous," and encouraged consumers to "carefully read and follow the instructions on the label and contact their health care professional should they have questions." John started taking Benadryl recreationally in November 2024, when he was 20, after using it to sleep and then hearing about the potential to trip online.
The surge in Benadryl poison reports looks more than a blip. The August Pediatrics Open Science study shows cases rose from 4,618 in 2020 to 5,960 in 2023. But the numbers alone don’t tell us why.
Teens are apparently swallowing dozens of antihistamine tablets to chase hallucinations, often featuring a faceless figure dubbed the Benadryl Hat Man. That odd character now pops up in memes, Halloween costumes and even Walmart graphic tees - a drug-induced trip turned into a cultural meme. Because deliriants have slipped into a fringe niche among American youth, the rise in poisonings could be part of a wider wave of experimentation.
Still, the report stops at the poison-center calls; we still don’t know the medical outcomes. It also says nothing about whether the trend will keep going or what public-health steps might help. So we have a clear uptick and a vivid symbol, but the longer-term picture remains hazy.
Further Reading
- Social media challenge: Encouraging adolescents to engage in dangerous misuse of over-the-counter antihistamines - EurekAlert!
- Trends in Pediatric Diphenhydramine Cases Reported to US Poison Centers: 2011-2020 - Pediatrics Open Science
- Notes from the Field: Antihistamine Positivity and Involvement in Overdose Deaths , 44 States and the District of Columbia, 2019-2020 - CDC MMWR
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Common Questions Answered
What was the increase in reported Benadryl poison cases between 2020 and 2023?
The number of cases rose from 4,618 in 2020 to 5,960 in 2023, representing an increase of 1,342 reports. This upward trend was documented in a study published in Pediatrics Open Science in August.
Why are teenagers using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as a party trick?
Teenagers are experimenting with Benadryl for its hallucinogenic side effects, treating it as a cheap alternative to illicit drugs. The drug’s deliriant properties produce intense visual hallucinations, which some youths find appealing for recreational use.
What cultural phenomena have emerged around the Benadryl hallucination known as the "Benadryl Hat Man"?
The "Benadryl Hat Man" has become a meme, appearing on social media, Halloween costumes, and even Walmart graphics. Its popularity reflects how the drug’s hallucinations have permeated youth culture beyond the poison‑control data.
How did Kenvue, the manufacturer of Benadryl, respond to the rise in poison reports?
Kenvue issued a statement describing the behavior as "extremely concerning" and highlighted the need for greater awareness about the risks. The company did not provide specific actions but emphasized the seriousness of the trend.