'Benadryl challenge' explained as 15-year-old girl dies after being left 'brain dead'
Topics: Health, Real Life, Parenting, Police, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Health, Real Life, Parenting, Police, Social Media
Parents have been issued an urgent warning over what is being called the 'Benadryl challenge' following the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl.
The challenge in question sees people consume Benadryl, an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, in high doses in order to cause a high with hallucinations.
While the social media trend first emerged in 2020, it's been gaining momentum again in more recent weeks, sparking several police forces to issue official warnings to parents.
The number of warnings has increased following the death of Leah Presson, 15, who was left 'brain dead' last month (14 June) after taking part in the 'challenge'.
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Leah's heartbroken father, Richard Presson, confirmed that his daughter was left with 'zero brain activity' and had been 'fighting for life' after she started experiencing seizures directly after taking the medication.
The teen died at the Oklahoma City hospital.
Three days after Leah's tragic death, Richard recorded a video alongside Leah's older sister in order to see if the person behind the counter would sell Benadryl to someone under the age of 18.
"This is my 17-year-old daughter. We're seeing if they'll sell her Benadryl," he said, while his teenage daughter stood in line at what appeared to be a gas station.
Once she arrived at the counter, the staff member scanned the Benadryl and was about to sell it without checking for any ID or age confirmation, which prompted Richard to walk up and stop the transaction.
There is no nationwide standardised age restriction on buying Benadryl in the United States.
However, some states and local jurisdictions may have their own rules, and individual retailers may also choose to set age or ID policies.
"Take that Benadryl off there, please," he told the employee. "Kids are overdosing on that s**t. My daughter just died from it. I was gonna see if you'd sell it to her."
"There's a Benadryl challenge all over Facebook and TikToks, and my daughter just died from..." he added.
The worker finished Richard's sentence with 'overdose'.
It's not immediately clear whether Leah purchased the allergy medication she took before she died, or whether the store or staff member in Richard's video were involved.
Kenvue, the producer of Benadryl, told LADbible in a statement: "The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority. The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.
"Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products. We are working with social media platform Safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behaviour from spreading.
"We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine."
The company's website also adds: "Purchasing this product online is only suitable for those aged 16 years and over. If you are under 16 years of age and wish to purchase this product, please speak with a pharmacist in store.
"When taking any over-the-counter medicine, always read the drug facts label carefully and use only as directed."
The recommended Benadryl dosage is one capsule as necessary up to three times a day, with no more than three to be taken in 24 hours.
Diphenhydramine HCI is the ingredient in the drug that can lead to an overdose, with the NHS warning on its website: "Taking too much diphenhydramine can be dangerous. It's important to get medical advice if you take more than the recommended dose.
"Do not use diphenhydramine cream at the same time as other products containing diphenhydramine. This can lead to overdose."