Medical examiner reports reveals manner of death of Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR) – On Wednesday, the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s office released its summary findings for a nonbinary Owasso teen who died a day after a fight at school.

According to the ME’s report, Nex Benedict died of a combination of a toxic level of Diphenhydramine and Fluoxetine. The ME says the probable cause of death is suicide.

Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder (for patients eight years and older), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bulimia, binge eating disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and bipolar depression as well as treatment-resistant depression when used in combination with olanzapine. It also has several non-FDA-approved indications. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, dosing, important adverse effects, contraindications, monitoring, and toxicity of fluoxetine so providers can direct patient therapy to optimal outcomes in combating psychological conditions for which it is indicated.

Diphenhydramine – perhaps known most commonly as its brand name formulation Benadryl – is a first-generation H1 receptor antihistamine that is used extensively for the treatment of seasonal allergies, insect bites and stings, and rashes. However, it also has antiemetic, antitussive, hypnotic, and antiparkinson properties. As histamine receptors exist both peripherally and in the central nervous system, diphenhydramine has been shown to cause sedation due to its competitive antagonism of histamine H1 receptors within the central nervous system. While its use in allergy therapy can sometimes fall out of favor due to its sedative effect, diphenhydramine has been repurposed for use within many non-prescription over-the-counter sleep aids and cough-and-cold medications that have been marketed for “nighttime” use. Diphenhydramine is also used in combination with [DB14132] as the anti-nausea drug [DB00985], where it is utilized primarily for its antagonism of H1 histamine receptors within the vestibular system. Diphenhydramine has also been shown to be implicated in a number of neurotransmitter systems that affect behavior, including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and opioid. As a result, diphenhydramine is being investigated for its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.

Reports show three girls were picking on Benedict and some friends and then attacked the teen for pouring water on them.

Benedict told police what happened in a video released on Feb 23rd.

Benedict’s untimely death has generated huge support from the local LGBTQ community and allies in Oklahoma. NBC News says Benedict’s name has become a rallying cry nationwide, with advocates around the world drawing attention to the alleged bullying Benedict faced at school.

The full ME report will be released in 10 business days in compliance with state law.