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
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
Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
One of the most common side effects with Benadryl is drowsiness, but in some people it can have the opposite effect, known as paradoxical excitation. Instead of feeling sleepy,
you may experience excitation, agitation or insomnia (trouble sleeping), which might make your anxiety symptoms feel worse. This may be more common in young children. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- How much Benadryl can I take? What is too much?
- What are the effects of taking expired benadryl?
- How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
- Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
- What can I give my dog for motion sickness?
- Can you take Benadryl while pregnant?
- What is the dosage amount of children's Benadryl to give a 4 year old child who weighs 30 lbs?
- How do you choose the right allergy medication?
- Poison Ivy
- What should you keep in your medicine cabinet for kids?
- Emergency Treatment Plans for Allergic Reactions in Children
Drug information
- Benadryl Information for Consumers
- Benadryl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Benadryl (detailed)
Related support groups
- Benadryl (109 questions, 166 members)
- Cough (170 questions, 454 members)
- Nausea/Vomiting (440 questions, 921 members)
- Pruritus (185 questions, 321 members)
- Hives (83 questions, 211 members)
- Cold Symptoms (45 questions, 44 members)
- Urticaria (33 questions, 72 members)
- Allergic Reactions (217 questions, 462 members)
- Allergic Rhinitis (42 questions, 91 members)
- Hay Fever (35 questions, 55 members)
- Motion Sickness (20 questions, 31 members)