Rising Abuse of Over-the-Counter Medications Among Teens

America’s youth are increasingly misusing common over-the-counter drugs. Records from poison centers show a concerning trend in diphenhydramine abuse, which is found in allergy and sleep medications like Benadryl and Zzzquil.

The advisory from America’s Poison Centers covers 53 centers nationwide. It highlights a rise in diphenhydramine abuse among 13 to 19-year-olds. From 2024 to 2025, reports of substance exposure among this group rose by 5.1%. However, cases focusing solely on diphenhydramine surged from 10,068 to 13,284, marking a 32% increase.

Notably, the trend appears to continue into 2026. The first five months of that year recorded 6,179 cases among teens, more than twice the figures from the previous year. America’s Poison Centers attributes this spike to recreational misuse rather than accidental use. The rate of intentional abuse related to diphenhydramine climbed from 7.3% in 2020 to 13% in 2026.

“Taking diphenhydramine improperly or in large amounts can impact the brain and heart, causing serious or life-threatening effects,” the advisory noted.

Symptoms of poisoning include drowsiness, agitation, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, and loss of consciousness. To prevent overexposure, the centers urge safe storage of medications, ideally out of children’s reach, and following label instructions diligently.

They encourage conversations with teens about the dangers of misusing medications and staying aware of social media trends promoting unsafe use. Anyone suspecting misuse should contact the local Poison Control Center immediately.

In response, Benadryl’s manufacturer, Kenvue, stated health and safety as a priority. A spokesperson condemned social media trends advocating misuse, highlighting their efforts to educate on safe medication practices. They offer three recommendations:

• Report related content on social media.
• Store medications securely, out of reach of children, ideally in locked cabinets.
• Adhere to label instructions and educate children on safe use.

For further assistance, consult a healthcare professional and refer to dosing instructions on Benadryl’s official site. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association calls this issue “deeply concerning,” reminding that over-the-counter medications should never be used recreationally and highlighting the importance of following safety and dosage guidelines.