Teen Dies From Overdose Whereas Doing TikTok Benadryl Problem

TikTok responded to the loss of life of a 13-year-old Ohio boy who overdosed whereas taking part within the “Benadryl problem” on its platform, stating that it had “by no means seen one of these content material development” and had blocked searches on the subject for years.

The social media platform’s response comes days after Jacob Stevens died after spending practically every week on a ventilator. The teenager was at house with mates, who had been recording him, when he took greater than a dozen Benadryl capsules as a part of the problem, in keeping with local outlet ABC 6. Stevens then began seizing and was taken to the hospital, the place docs proceeded to inform the teenager’s household that he would by no means get up.

“No mind scan, there was nothing there. [Doctors] stated we may preserve him on the vent that he may lay there however he won’t ever open his eyes, he’ll by no means breathe, smile, stroll or speak,” Justin Stevens, Jacob’s father, informed ABC 6.

In a press release to Dexerto and CNN, a TikTok spokesperson expressed sympathy for Stevens’ household and emphasised that the platform prohibited one of these content material.

“At TikTok, we strictly prohibit and take away content material that promotes harmful conduct with the protection of our group as a precedence. We now have by no means seen one of these content material development on our platform and have blocked searches for years to assist discourage copycat conduct,” the spokesperson informed Dexerto. “Our group of 40,000 security professionals works to take away violations of our Neighborhood Tips and we encourage our group to report any content material or accounts they’re involved about.”

Nonetheless, the assertion that TikTok has by no means seen one of these content material development on its platform is difficult to consider. Harmful challenges just like the Benadryl challenge have been frequent information for years. The Food and Drug Administration issued a specific warning concerning the Benadryl problem again in 2020.

Gizmodo reached out to TikTok on Thursday morning however didn’t instantly obtain a response.

Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, Benadryl is an over-the-counter drugs used to deal with allergic reactions and accommodates diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. On its web site, Johnson & Johnson states that Benadryl is secure and efficient when used as directed on the label. Whereas dosage varies by age and by particular Benadryl product, the medication’s guidelines state that usually, individuals ought to take between 1-2 tablets each 4 to 6 hours.

Taking greater than the really useful quantity can result in coronary heart issues, seizures, coma, and even loss of life, in keeping with the FDA.

Johnson & Johnson acknowledged the danger of the TikTok Benadryl challenge on its web site and stated it was working with TikTok and different social media platforms to take away the content material.

“We perceive that buyers might have heard about an internet “problem” involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine. The problem, which includes ingestion of extreme portions of diphenhydramine, is a harmful development and must be stopped instantly,” the corporate stated. “BENADRYL® merchandise and different diphenhydramine merchandise ought to solely be used as directed by the label.”

Justin Stevens, Jacob’s father, stated he had reached out to Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine about placing an age restriction on shopping for remedy like Benadryl, ABC 6 reported. Justin Stevens stated getting a restriction enacted was now his “life purpose.” Relating to social media, Justin Stevens suggested different dad and mom to control what their children had been doing.

“Hold an eye fixed at what they’re doing on that telephone. Discuss to them concerning the state of affairs,” Justin Stevens stated. “I would like everybody to learn about my son.”