Paracetamol Social Media Challenge
A 'challenge' has been circulating on social media, widely reported in August 2023, that encourages teenagers to overdose on paracetamol in a bid to win a competition.
The 'craze' involves teenagers taking dangerous amounts of the painkiller to see who can stay in hospital the longest. Whilst it’s alleged the challenge was shared via TikTok, the social media site said it had seen 'no evidence to support these claims'.
The attached briefing document provides NHS information and advice regarding paracetamol: including safe amounts, signs and symptoms of overdose and what to do if suspected, as well as local support and signposting.