3 Connecticut children die from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses
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Key Points:
- Three children in Connecticut have died from apparent diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses in the past two months, prompting state officials to warn parents about medication safety and misuse risks.
- The Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate is collaborating with the Department of Public Health to develop prevention strategies and has issued guidance to treatment providers about safe medication storage and misuse awareness.
- Officials highlighted concerns about the "Benadryl challenge," a social media trend encouraging excessive diphenhydramine use, though it is unclear if the recent deaths are directly linked to this trend.
- The agency emphasized the importance of mental health resources for children, noting that many youths present to emergency departments daily for self-harm or suicidal ideation, and provided crisis center contacts.
- Kenvue, Benadryl’s maker, condemned social media misuse trends, stating they are dangerous and working with platforms to remove harmful content, while urging safe use of their products.