The Oklahoma case adds to years of warnings about high-dose diphenhydramine misuse among teens.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The death of 15-year-old Leah Presson is drawing fresh concern from doctors and families over viral online challenges that push teenagers toward dangerous drug misuse.
Presson’s family said she took part in the “Benadryl Challenge,” which involves taking large amounts of allergy medicine to cause hallucinations. The Oklahoma teen suffered seizures and cardiac arrest before doctors found no brain activity. Her death follows years of warnings from federal health officials and hospitals about diphenhydramine overdoses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in 2020 that taking more than recommended doses of diphenhydramine can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma or death. The agency said at the time that it was aware of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after attempting the challenge.
Doctors have said the drug can disrupt the heart and nervous system when taken in large amounts. In Leah’s case, her father, Richard Presson, said she began seizing before the family learned the damage was far worse than they first understood. “It hurts to see that my daughter is now laying lifeless because of some challenge,” he said.
The case has also put attention back on social media companies. TikTok has said it removes content that promotes dangerous behavior and redirects searches for the challenge to safety resources. YouTube has said it bars content that encourages dangerous challenges or abuse of nonregulated substances. The platforms have not said any specific video caused Leah’s case.
Leah’s family described her as generous and full of energy. Richard Presson said organ donation became part of the family’s conversations because Leah had always wanted to help people. The family’s account turned a national safety warning into a local loss felt by relatives, friends and an Oklahoma community now mourning a teenager.
No public agency had announced charges or a formal investigation tied to Leah’s death as of June 28. The next steps remain centered on her family’s arrangements and any additional statements from medical officials or platforms.
Author note: Last updated June 28, 2026.