Hazardous Substances
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Abuse
Street names: Benny, Bennies, DPH, Sleep-away
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- At high doses (300–700 mg): delirium — hallucinating spiders, shadow people, conversations with no one
- Sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision
⚠Key risks
- DELIRIANT — not a fun hallucinogen: users can't distinguish hallucination from reality
- Heart arrhythmia — anticholinergic load strains the heart; deaths documented
- Seizures
- Urinary retention, hyperthermia
- The 'Benadryl challenge' on TikTok sent teens to the ER — and killed some
- Extremely uncomfortable — most users never repeat it
✚Overdose signs
- Delirium, confusion, hallucinations
- Racing irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Urinary retention, flushed skin, dilated pupils
📋Quick facts
Also known asBenny, Bennies, DPH, Sleep-away
CategoryHazardous Substances
Schedule / classOTC — unrestricted purchase
AppearancePink/blue tablets (25/50 mg), liquid gels; any pharmacy/grocery store
Street price$3–$8 per box (OTC) — pocket-money dangerous
Legal statusOTC unrestricted — the accessibility is the danger
Last updated2026-09-17
Sources: FDA, NIDA, Poison Control
Category comparison — Hazardous Substances
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Abuse | OTC — unrestricted purchase | DELIRIANT — not a fun hallucinogen: users can't distinguish hallucination from reality; Heart arrhythmia — anticholinergic load strains the heart; deaths documented | $3–$8 per box |
| DXM (Dextromethorphan / Robotripping) | OTC | Serotonin syndrome — DXM is serotonergic; DEADLY with SSRIs, MAOIs, MDMA; Liver damage — Coricidin contains chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) that's hepatotoxic at abuse doses | ~$5–$12 per bottle |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Abuse look like?
Pink/blue tablets (25/50 mg), liquid gels; any pharmacy/grocery store
What are the signs of a Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Abuse overdose?
Delirium, confusion, hallucinations; Racing irregular heartbeat; Seizures Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
DELIRIANT — not a fun hallucinogen: users can't distinguish hallucination from reality Dependence can develop with regular use.