Coroner Advocates for Removing Diphenhydramine from Tablets

Coroner Advocates for Removing Diphenhydramine from Tablets

Unveiling the Dark Side of OTC Medications: The Dangerous Allure of Diphenhydramine

Say goodbye to the ease of picking up a box of Benadryl or Sleep-eze at your local pharmacy. The Quebec Coroner's Office advocates for stricter regulations following the tragic death of an 18-year-old from Quebec who overdosed on diphenhydramine. This unfortunate incident is one of at least four similar incidents reported in the last five years in Quebec.

"It's a free-for-all for anyone looking for a quick fix, including minors," coroner Vincent Denault's report states. This lethal substance, found in common over-the-counter medications, can provide sedation, mild euphoria, and even hallucinogenic effects.

The 18-year-old was found unresponsive by his mother on December 11, 2023, after visiting several pharmacies to stockpile large amounts of diphenhydramine-containing medications the day before. "I can't comprehend why diphenhydramine is available over the counter, especially when Gravol, which contains diphenhydramine, isn’t," Denault laments. "Despite what people may believe, diphenhydramine is far from harmless."

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for allergy relief and as a sleep aid. Despite scientific evidence pointing to the hazardous consequences of intoxication leading to death, it remains available over the counter in Canada. The coroner emphasizes this is not the first time a death has been connected to diphenhydramine.

Diphenhydramine's adverse effects can include impaired cognitive function, hallucinations, and even heart problems. The substance's risks extend to car and plane accidents, overdoses, and other accidents, as it significantly impairs driving abilities, even more so than alcohol.

Time to Hide the Dangerous Drugs?

The coroner suggests amending the Quebec Order of Pharmacists' Regulation on the Conditions and Modes of Sale of Medicines to move diphenhydramine behind pharmacy counters, requiring a prescription for access. Coroner Denault also encourages collaboration from the professional orders of doctors and pharmacists in the process.

The Quebec Order of Pharmacists acknowledges reviewing the coroner's report for any medication-related matters. The Quebec Poison Control Centre has already recorded over 3,000 exposures to diphenhydramine between 2020 and 2024, mainly among children and adolescents.

A Teenage Trend Turned Deadly

In the deceased teenager's room, empty containers and blister packs of diphenhydramine-containing tablets were found, suggesting he may have used them as sleep aids. Coroner Denault also notes the popularity of these medications among teenagers, who often abuse them as part of dangerous trends.

In 2020, a social media challenge promoted the consumption of large quantities of diphenhydramine, resulting in severe consequences and even deaths. On TikTok, the "Benadryl Challenge" persists, where adolescents film themselves experiencing hallucinations from misusing the medication.

Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's warnings about the risks of overdosing on diphenhydramine, deaths from misuse still occur. These accidents highlight the urgent need for stricter control of diphenhydramine sales and increased accessibility of safer alternative treatments.

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In short, the dangerous allure of diphenhydramine has led to tragedies, and it's high time for stricter regulations regarding its sale. Let's work together to make our world safer and prevent future deaths from this toxic substance.

• The Quebec Coroner's Office is advocating for stricter regulations on over-the-counter medications containing diphenhydramine, after an 18-year-old's death due to an overdose.
• Coroner Vincent Denault laments that diphenhydramine, found in common OTC medications like Gravol, remains available without prescription, despite its hazardous consequences.
• Diphenhydramine can lead to impaired cognitive function, hallucinations, heart problems, and accidents that impair driving abilities, making it more dangerous than alcohol for many.
• The coroner suggests moving diphenhydramine behind pharmacy counters, requiring a prescription for access, and encourages collaboration from doctors and pharmacists.
• The Quebec Order of Pharmacists acknowledges reviewing the coroner's report, noting that over 3,000 exposures to diphenhydramine have occurred since 2020, especially among children and adolescents.
• The report highlights the popular abuse of these medications among teenagers, some in dangerous trends like the "Benadryl Challenge" on social media.
• Stricter regulations on diphenhydramine sales and increased accessibility of safer alternative treatments are necessary to prevent future deaths and accidents caused by this toxic substance.

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