“We are seeing either children are taking the medication in an inappropriate amount intentionally or accidentally ingesting it,” said Stephanie Felton, D.O., associate medical director for the emergency department at the medical center in Fort Worth. 

The trend mirrors a similar spike seen at Cook Children’s in 2020. During that year, patients reported getting the idea from TikTok videos claiming users could hallucinate by taking a dozen or more allergy pills. While that trend eventually faded through education and public awareness, a recent resurgence has prompted medical experts to issue a new alert for parents and caregivers.

“These are heartbreaking cases because these are usually normal, healthy, fully-functioning children that can have dire effects because of this choice,” said Dr. Felton.

She adds that these incidents often bring to light underlying issues, including bullying or psychiatric illnesses such as depression or anxiety.

The Power of Open Dialogue

Medical experts say open communication is the first line of defense in preventing an overdose. Dr. Felton acknowledges these can be difficult conversations, however, she emphasizes it can make a potentially life-saving difference.

“Be aware of what they're dealing with, their environments, what they're looking at, what they're watching,” explained Dr. Felton. “Ask them questions, direct questions.” 

Because Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter medication, it is easily accessible to children and teens. Experts say it is important to communicate that consuming any medication improperly can be detrimental to a person's health in both the short and long term. 

“There is specific per age, per weight, how much you can take of a medication, if you go outside of that you can cause harm to your body,” said Dr. Felton.

Recognizing an overdose

While it may seem trivial because it is an over-the-counter medication, Dr. Felton explains that an overdose can have lifelong effects. This includes heart arrhythmias, electrolyte abnormalities, or urinary retention that can impact the kidneys. Hallucinations can also affect the brain.

Monitor for these symptoms of an overdose:

• Hot but not with a fever
• Pupillary size
• Heart arrhythmias
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucination

Tips for Poison Prevention: 

Safe Medication Dosing 

• Follow the dosing directions listed on the medication by using the appropriate measuring items, such as a medicine cup or oral syringe.
• Double dosing is NOT twice as effective, and in many instances can cause internal damage.
• Adult medications may be too strong for children and should not be given in half doses. Only give medicine to your child that is intended for children.
• Print the medication schedule to keep the right dosage for your family. 

Safe Storage 

• Many people leave medications on bathroom and kitchen counters as well as bedroom nightstands as a visual reminder to take them. Avoid unintentional injury and store medication up high, locked, and out of reach.
• Hang purses and personal bags up high so children cannot reach prescriptions, vitamins, or other regularly used medications.
• Remember, when visiting friends and family, it is ok to have an open discussion about safe storage. 

Safe Disposal 

• DEA Drug Take Back Day is on April 25th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Visit a medication drop box at a local pharmacy. For more information on poison prevention, visit www.meddropbox.org.
• The best disposal option is to find a drug take-back location, which may be found in retail, hospital, pharmacies, and/or law enforcement facilities.
• Removing any unused or expired medication in the home can reduce the risk of access. 

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• Spring Break with Allergies: Things to Be on the Lookout For This Season
• Cook Children's Experts Warn of Dangerous Social Media Challenges on 'The Doctors'
• TikTok Videos Encourage Viewers to Overdose on Benadryl

A recent study done in the adult oncology world and published in JAMA, found that doctors had a perception that patients were demanding extra treatment and testing. Review of the patient encounters showed that doctors perceived demands that did not actually occur. Many of the requests that did occur were medically appropriate.

In pediatrics, the most common issue where this comes to a head is the desire to give children antibiotics. It can also play out in other areas as well. Another common one that comes to mind is request for further testing for diagnosis.

Fortunately, in my experience, parents are becoming more informed about what situations require antibiotics and which illnesses will pass with a little time and TLC.

The problem is that many doctors have gotten into the unfortunate habit of wanting to provide what the parents are requesting without actually asking the parent what they expect. Doctors may perceive that parents want antibiotics or further testing when, in fact, they simply want reassurance that waiting is OK. This becomes a particular problem in urgent care or retail clinics where patient satisfaction plays a bigger role in getting patients to come back and see you.

So, how can you prevent this from happening to you?

Here are five casual statements that you might use the next time you visit the doctor to help them understand your expectations:

1. I’m pretty sure I’m just over concerned. I just wanted you to check things out so I can be sure.

2. I don’t really like to give my kids medicine but I wanted your opinion about what we should do next.

3. I’m totally OK with waiting, if that’s what you think is best.

4. What would you do if it were your child?

5. Are there other things we can try first or other options?

Your doctor should not feel threatened by these statements. If antibiotics are the only right choice, they should be able to explain the reasons why that is.