Rising Abuse of Over-the-Counter Medications Among Teens

America’s youth are increasingly abusing common over-the-counter medications, according to poison center records. A health advisory from America’s Poison Centers, which includes 53 poison centers nationwide, highlighted a concerning rise in cases of diphenhydramine abuse among teens aged 13 to 19. Diphenhydramine is typically found in allergy and sleep medications like Benadryl and Zzzquil.

Increase in Exposure

Between 2024 and 2025, the total exposure to various substances among teens reportedly rose by 5.1%. More worrying is the 32% spike in cases specifically involving diphenhydramine, rising from 10,068 to 13,284 cases. The trend continued into 2026 with 6,179 diphenhydramine-only cases reported in the first five months. This figure is more than double that of the previous year.

Intentional Misuse

The report indicates that intentional abuse drives this increase rather than accidental over-medication. In 2026, 13% of cases were linked to deliberate misuse, up from 7.3% in 2020. Misusing diphenhydramine can severely impact the brain and heart, leading to potentially life-threatening effects.

Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, irregular heart rhythm, and loss of consciousness. To prevent such complications, America’s Poison Centers advise storing medications securely, out of reach of children and teens, and following label instructions carefully.

“Talk with teens about the risks of misusing medications, including serious health effects and poisoning,” the advisory suggests. It also warns against dangerous social media trends or challenges that may promote unsafe medication use.

Those suspecting misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center without delay. The advisory urges awareness of social media trends that might encourage unsafe use of medications.

Responses from Manufacturers

In response to the alarming trend, Benadryl maker Kenvue emphasized that consumer safety is a priority, condemning social media trends that promote misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products as extremely dangerous. Kenvue is collaborating with social media safety teams to eliminate harmful posts and preventing this behavior from spreading.

Mary Leonard, the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, expressed deep concern over the reports. She emphasized that misuse should not be mistaken for the safe, effective use of these products when used as directed. The Drug Facts label provides vital instructions and safety information to prevent misuse.

Kenvue outlined three preventive steps:

• Report concerning content on social media platforms.
• Store medicines out of children’s reach, ideally in locked cabinets or containers.
• Adhere to label instructions and educate children on safe usage.

Dosing instructions and additional safety information are available on Benadryl’s website. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for concerns, the spokesperson added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Zzzquil maker P&G for a comment. Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.