Blanchard, Oklahoma is a community in mourning following the death of a teenager who attempted the latest TikTok internet challenge. Known as the “Benadryl challenge,” it involves overdosing on the over-the-counter allergy medication in a bid to gain more followers on the platform. Unfortunately, by taking too much Benadryl, users experience hallucinations that their social media friends deem “cool,” but the challenge is far from safe.
The challenge claimed the life of 15-year-old Chloe Marie Phillips, who was found in the early hours of August 21, 2020, after taking a large quantity of the medication. Despite efforts to revive her, she died from a deadly overdose. One of her relatives warned others not to attempt the “Benadryl challenge.”
Janette Sissy Leasure, Chloe’s great aunt, wrote on Facebook, “This needs to stop taking our kids or putting them in the hospital… Don’t let it take any more kids… Try to always know what your kids are doing or taking.”
Chloe’s funeral was held on August 27, 2020, at the First United Methodist Church in Blanchard, Oklahoma. She was a sophomore at Blanchard High School, where she was actively involved in yearbook and track. According to an obituary, Chloe loved music, dancing, video games, and being a social butterfly with her friends. She was an intelligent young woman who dreamed of becoming a lawyer and attending college. Chloe’s faith kept her steadfast, and she always stood up for what she believed in while showing kindness and compassion in everything she did.
The tragedy should serve as a reminder that Benadryl can be a deadly drug when taken in excess. Scott Schaeffer, director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information, warned that “the dose that can cause a hallucination is very close to the dose that can cause something potentially life-threatening.”
The “Benadryl challenge” is not new, as three teens from Fort Worth, Texas, barely survived after overdosing on the drug back in May. Parents should be aware of this dangerous trend and keep a close eye on their children’s online activities.
This tragedy should remind us all of the importance of being vigilant and taking action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
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Source: AWM
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