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

Haley Maria Dourron, Heith Copes, Agasthya Vedre-Kyanam, Daniel Reyes, Maggie Gossage, Noah Wiles Sweat, Peter S. Hendricks

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs August 31, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2251985 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 32
Population First-hand accounts of DPH misuse from YouTube videos
Intervention Diphenhydramine
Topics Anxiety
Keywords Diphenhydramine Context archaeology Thematic analysis Dysphoria Hallucinogen Clinical psychology Qualitative research
Citations 6
Key findings Diphenhydramine misuse produces predominantly unpleasant subjective experiences with sensory alterations, confusion, and dysphoria, sometimes leading to repeated use despite adverse effects.

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.

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Anxiety Philosophy of mind