A Qualitative Analysis of First-Hand Accounts of Diphenhydramine Misuse Available on YouTube

The subjective experiences of diphenhydramine (DPH) misuse, based on 32 first-hand YouTube accounts analyzed with thematic analysis, are predominantly unpleasant, featuring alterations in most sensory modalities, confusion, and dysphoria. Positive effects were rare and often overshadowed by negative aspects. Video makers frequently warned against misuse and occasionally reported adverse post-acute effects. Despite the prevalence of adverse experiences, patterns of repeated misuse were sometimes discussed. Motives for misuse included accessibility, affordability, and legality. The findings suggest DPH misuse can produce substantial, often distressing psychoactive effects that share phenomenological overlap with experiences produced by psychosis.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Deliriants are the least studied class of hallucinogens and display noticeable subjective effects, including dysphoria, hallucinations, and substantial alterations in thought. High doses of diphenhydramine (DPH), an over-the-counter antihistamine medication, can produce deliriant effects due to secondary anticholinergic activity. We sought to characterize the subjective experiences produced by DPH misuse to better understand deliriants more broadly and the context under which DPH misuse occurs. To conduct our analysis, 32 first-hand accounts of DPH misuse publicly available in YouTube videos were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Video makers discussed alterations in most sensory modalities, confusion, and a tendency for strongly unpleasant experiences. Occasionally, video makers reported positive effects, although these were rare and often overshadowed by negative aspects of the experience. Video makers frequently warned against misusing DPH, and these individuals occasionally reported adverse post-acute effects. Despite the prevalence of adverse experiences, patterns of repeated misuse were sometimes discussed. Motives for misusing DPH, when mentioned, included accessibility, affordability, and legality. Overall, findings suggest DPH misuse can produce substantial psychoactive effects that are often distressing and share some phenomenological overlap with experiences produced by psychosis.