Teen Declared Brain Dead After Viral Benadryl Challenge

LOUISIANA - Social media trends come and go, but some can have devastating consequences. A dangerous online challenge that first gained attention several years ago is making headlines again after a 15-year-old girl has been declared brain dead following an attempt of the viral "Benadryl Challenge".

The incident is serving as a stark reminder for parents across Louisiana to have conversations with their children about the risks of viral social media challenges and the dangers of misusing over-the-counter medications.

What Is The Benadryl Challenge?

The so-called "Benadryl Challenge" encourages kids to take excessive amounts of Benadryl, an allergy medication containing diphenhydramine, in an attempt to experience hallucinations and then share it online.

Health experts have repeatedly warned that taking large doses of the medication can lead to serious medical complications, including seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems, coma, and even death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously issued warnings about the challenge after it gained traction on social media.

Oklahoma Teen's Story Sparks New Warnings

According to newsnationnow.com, 15-year-old Leah Presson of Oklahoma suffered seizures after allegedly attempting the challenge. Doctors later determined she had no measurable brain activity, and her family has since shared her story in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.

Her father has urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of online trends that encourage risky behavior for views, likes, and social media attention.

Her father, Richard Presson tells newsnownation.com -

Leah is a very great person and she always wanted to be TikTok famous. It hurts to see that my daughter is now laying lifeless because of some challenge that couldn’t be stopped.

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Why Louisiana Parents Should Pay Attention

While this particular case happened outside Louisiana, the risks are the same for families here at home.

Many teens spend hours each day on social media platforms where viral challenges can spread quickly. Experts say children and teenagers may not fully understand the life-threatening consequences associated with misusing medications that are commonly found in household medicine cabinets.

Poison Control Reports Alarming Increase

According to America's Poison Centers, calls involving teens and diphenhydramine have risen sharply in recent years. Early 2026 data shows poison center calls involving the medication among teenagers have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Experts believe much of the increase is linked to intentional misuse rather than accidental overdoses.

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

Extreme drowsiness
Agitation
Hallucinations
Seizures
Dangerous heart problems
Loss of consciousness
In severe cases, the effects can become fatal.

For parents across Acadiana and throughout Louisiana, now is a good time to check medicine storage areas, review social media habits with their children, and remind them that no viral challenge is worth risking their health, or losing their life.

If you suspect someone has taken too much medication, seek emergency medical attention immediately or contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

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When you grow up in Louisiana, you sometimes automatically think that the things we do here, people do in other States too. Then at some point, you realize people in other States don't have boudin, zydeco, or even understand the things we say. Below are "7 Things Only People From Louisiana Can Truly Understand".

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott