What is the Benadryl hat man?
The Hat Man is a fictional figure that started appearing on certain internet sites in the early 2000s that has recently been referred to as the “Benadryl Hat Man” after reports of people hallucinating and sighting him after overconsumption or abuse of Benadryl. Most of these reports have appeared on Reddit or the image-based bulletin site 4chan.
The Hat Man has also been associated with abuse of any mind-altering substance taken to excess and there is a mini-documentary about him being associated with sleep paralysis on YouTube.
High doses of Benadryl can cause heart arrhythmias, delirium, psychosis, seizures, coma, and death.
References
- How the ‘Hat Man’ Went From Benadryl Joke to TikTok Horror Villain. Nov 2, 2022. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/hat-man-benadryl-tiktok-monster-1234620397/
- Diphenhydramine toxicity. The University of Utah. Nov 15, 2021.
- https://poisoncontrol.utah.edu/news/2021/11/diphenhydramine-toxicity#:~:text=Diphenhydramine%20is%20an%20antihistamine%20that,ingestions%20%3E%2020%20mg%2Fkg.
Read next
What is the max dose of diphenhydramine for adults?
The maximum oral dose of diphenhydramine for adults is generally reported as 100mg for a single dose or no more than 300mg in 24 hours, but this can vary depending on what condition diphenhydramine is being used for, the salt of diphenhydramine used (there are two salts available in the US diphenhydramine citrate and diphenhydramine chloride), the age of the person, how much diphenhydramine they have tolerated before, and if they are on any interacting medications. Taking too much diphenhydramine can be fatal. Continue reading
Which antihistamines are safe for dogs?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), you can give the antihistamine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to your dog, but you should always check with your vet first. Continue reading
How long does Benadryl take to work?
Benadryl is quickly absorbed after oral administration and it starts to work within 30 minutes with peak effects reached within one to two hours. The effects of Benadryl last from four to six hours. Benadryl in the injectable form has a rapid onset of action. You will know when Benadryl starts to work because your allergy symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, or a skin rash, will start to feel better. Continue reading
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- Benadryl Information for Consumers
- Benadryl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Benadryl (detailed)
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