The Arkansas Poison Control Center is reporting an increase in intentional pediatric and teenage overdoses

Little Rock, Arkansas – The number of young people attempting medicine overdoses has increased, according to the Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center. Since 2005, the number of patients in Arkansas between the ages of 12 and 19 has increased by 800%, according to Dr. Ari Filip, Medical Director of the Arkansas Poison and Drug Information Center.

According to Dr. Filip, inquiries about youngsters accidentally ingesting household items and prescriptions are the most frequent. The poison center also responds to calls related to exposures to plants and animals, such as persons hunting for mushrooms and snakebites, in addition to inquiries regarding exposures to medications or home items.

Dr. Filip informed Channel 7 that there are also some brand-new, developing difficulties. Since they began compiling statistics, the poison center has received a 500% rise in calls about the unintentional use of THC edibles.

“This is reflected in nationwide trends and often lands kids in the hospital. We encourage anyone that has THC-containing products at home to keep these locked and out of reach of children, as you would for any medication,” Dr. Filip said.

Respond to calls addressing difficulties you’ve noticed on social media, advises Dr. Filip.

“Now with “Tik-Tok” we have these “Tik-Tok challenges” that encourage misuse of medications. Some of these over-the-counter medications like Benadryl can be quite harmful or even fatal when you take too much,” Dr. Filip said.

All Arkansans can use the free service of the Poison and Drug Information Center, which is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-222-1222.