Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes is warning parents of a trending social media challenge that encourages people to abuse the over-the-counter allergy medication Benadryl.
Aukes says the challenge encourages people, especially teens, to ingest the substance and share the effects on social media.
“Unfortunately, in today’s society, the use of illegal, and in some instances, legal drugs, has become commonplace,” wrote Aukes in a release.
“We feel it is of the utmost importance to do whatever we can to combat this ideology, and parent-child communication is the most important.”
Short and long-term harmful effects can be attributed to the misuse of Benadryl.
Short-term effects include dehydration, rashes, hallucinations, slowed respiratory function and vision impairment.
Long-term effects could include seizures and cardiac arrest.
Help is available for those with a substance abuse disorder.
The Poison Control Hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
