ASHLAND — Recent incidents involving minors purchasing and misusing over-the-counter medication have raised concerns with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a Thursday press release from the sheriff’s office, several incidents over the last few weeks have been investigated where juveniles have purchased over-the-counter Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and ingested more than the recommended dosage, according to the release.
Overuse of the medication has resulted in some minors having a medical emergency.
Detective Aaron Crites said there have only been a couple of isolated incidents, including a child in Loudonville, but no one has died from overuse.
“We’re just trying to kind of get ahead of the game,” he said.
“Additionally, information obtained through the investigation indicated juveniles may also be providing Benadryl to their friends who are also ingesting more than the recommended dosage,” the release said.
Juveniles are legally allowed to purchase Benadryl in Ohio, but Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider is concerned the overuse is “to achieve some level of recreational satisfaction,” according to the release.
Benadryl ‘challenge’ emerged on social media around 2020
Benadryl is a popular antihistamine used to treat allergies, cold symptoms, itch relief and more. Its most common side effect is drowsiness, as listed on the website.
Benadryl’s website also lists it is committed to take action to stop the Benadryl “challenge,” a social media trend that first emerged on TikTok around 2020, but has continued to resurface on various social media platforms.
A local FOX News Channel in Denver, Colorado, published an article on Feb. 2 explaining doctors have warned about the challenge resurfacing online again.
The article said a nearby Colorado high school sent letters to parents saying it has seen the Benadryl “challenge” ramp up on social media recently.Â
Crites said no evidence of the Benadryl “challenge” in Ashland County has been found thus far through the investigation.
“The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office is committed to the safety of our children and will
continue to investigate any criminal acts that may be associated with these incidents. I’m asking local businesses, schools and the general public to be vigilant in identifying any activity harmful to our children,” Schneider said in Wednesday’s release.
“Additionally, I’m asking local businesses who sell over-the-counter medications, such as Benadryl, to review their policies and practices pertaining to the sale of over-the-counter medications to juveniles,” the sheriff said.
Anyone who has information pertaining to similar incidents may contact Crites at (419)-289-3911.