Nipissing First Nation warns of deadly Benadryl trend

An undated photo of Nipissing First Nation Health Services' Lawrence Commands Health Centre. (File photo/Supplied/Nipissing First Nation)

Nipissing First Nation’s leadership says some youth and young adults in the community are intentionally taking high doses of Benadryl, a common allergy medicine, in a dangerous trend that carries the risk of coma or death.

“There are no safe or positive effects from taking high doses, only serious risks,” wrote the First Nation community in a news release.

The ongoing trend involves young people seeking what they may perceive as exciting or different effects from the drug, but health officials say those feelings come at an extreme cost.

Antihistamines, like Benadryl, are drugs with a safe limit that varies by individual, depending on:

• age and body size,
• the type and amount taken,
• an individual’s health conditions and
• other medicines being used by the person.

Signs of overdose to watch for

Nipissing First Nation provided some indicators that a person may be suffering from an overdose, including:

• being very excited or jittery,
• having an unusually fast heartbeat,
• irritability,
• seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations) and
• seizures.

Serious symptoms that can follow an overdose

• Extreme sleepiness
• Slow breathing
• Trouble peeing (urinary retention)
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Death

What to do right away

The First Nation advised that anyone who suspects an overdose has occurred should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Health officials said individuals responding to a possible overdose are urged to stay with the person and keep them awake if possible, and to bring the medicine bottle to the hospital or authorities to show health workers.

“We encourage you to reach out if you need support or have concerns,” said the First Nation’s director of health services.

Support is available to all members through Nipissing First Nation Right Path Counselling and Prevention Services.

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