Sedatives & Hypnotics
Diphenhydramine (DPH)
Street names: Benadryl, DPH, DMH (combo)
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- First-generation antihistamine — sedation at 25–50 mg
- At 300+ mg: deliriant hallucinations (full delirium, not tripping)
⚠Key risks
- 'Benadryl challenge' overdoses sent teens to ICUs; trend peaked on TikTok 2020+ and persists 2025
- Anticholinergic toxicity: racing heart, urinary retention, hyperthermia, seizures
- DPH delirium produces realistic hallucinations — users walk into traffic, forget they took anything
- UK moved to restrict OTC sales after misuse deaths (2024+)
✚Overdose signs
- Flushed dry skin, dilated pupils
- Tachycardia, hallucinations + confusion
- Seizures, urinary retention
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diphenhydramine (DPH) | OTC | 'Benadryl challenge' overdoses sent teens to ICUs; trend peaked on TikTok 2020+ and persists 2025; Anticholinergic toxicity: racing heart, urinary retention, hyperthermia, seizures | $5–15 per OTC pack |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Diphenhydramine (DPH) look like?
Pink/white OTC tablets (25–50 mg), liquid caps, or powder
What are the signs of a Diphenhydramine (DPH) overdose?
Flushed dry skin, dilated pupils; Tachycardia, hallucinations + confusion; Seizures, urinary retention Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
'Benadryl challenge' overdoses sent teens to ICUs; trend peaked on TikTok 2020+ and persists 2025 Dependence can develop with regular use.