A dangerous social media trend known as the “Benadryl Challenge” has once again come under scrutiny after a 15-year-old girl from Oklahoma was reportedly left with no brain activity following an alleged overdose of the over-the-counter allergy medication.
The challenge encourages teenagers to consume extremely high doses of diphenhydramine — commonly sold under the brand name Benadryl — in an attempt to experience hallucinations and share their reactions online. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that the trend can result in severe poisoning, permanent brain damage, cardiac arrest and death.
Oklahoma Teen Hospitalised
According to a report by Newsweek, 15-year-old Leah Presson from Enid, Oklahoma, is currently being treated in an intensive care unit after allegedly attempting the challenge.
Leah was rushed to Integris Health Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, where doctors reportedly determined that her condition was consistent with a diphenhydramine overdose.
Her father, Richard Presson, said his daughter had previously attempted the challenge and wanted to gain popularity on social media.
“Leah is a very great person, and she always wanted to be TikTok famous. It hurts to see that my daughter is now lying lifeless because of some challenge that couldn’t be stopped,” he told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports podcast.
Despite the grim prognosis, he said he remains hopeful about her recovery.
“I don’t even want to think about a funeral because I feel like there’s still hope and everybody’s giving up too soon,” he said.
“I believe in miracles, that she’s definitely a miracle baby.”
Presson also urged parents to speak openly with their children about the dangers of viral internet challenges.
What Is Diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, colds, motion sickness and insomnia. When taken at recommended doses, it is generally considered safe.
However, consuming large quantities can overwhelm the body’s central nervous system and trigger what medical professionals describe as an anticholinergic toxidrome — a severe poisoning condition that can affect the brain, heart and other vital organs.
Doctors warn that the amount needed to produce hallucinations is dangerously close to a potentially fatal dose.
Symptoms of overdose can include:
- Hallucinations
- Extreme confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
Previous Cases And FDA Warning
Leah’s case is not the first linked to the viral trend.
In 2020, another 15-year-old girl from Oklahoma died after reportedly participating in the challenge, prompting widespread concern among parents, educators and health officials.
The same year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Drug Safety Communication warning against the misuse of diphenhydramine.
The agency stated that taking higher-than-recommended doses of the medication could lead to “serious heart problems, seizures, coma or even death.”
The FDA also acknowledged reports of teenagers being hospitalised or dying after participating in the so-called “Benadryl Challenge” circulating on social media platforms.
Social Media Platforms Crack Down
In response to growing concerns, TikTok has blocked searches related to terms such as “Benadryl” and “Benadryl Challenge.”
However, experts say some users continue to evade these restrictions by using alternative spellings, coded language and private group chats to share content related to the trend.
Health authorities continue to urge parents, schools and social media companies to remain vigilant as dangerous online challenges evolve and spread among young users.
Medical professionals stress that no social media trend is worth risking a life, warning that a single overdose can have irreversible consequences.