Chaser 5-hour Energy shot

The 5-Hour Energy shot is advertised on television as a "burst of energy" that won't make you "crash" when it wears off.  The label advises that the high levels of niacin may cause skin flushing and the sensation of heat in individuals not used to such a dosage. Contains 15 calories in each 2 oz. (60 mL) bottle and costs $2.49. Reviews say the drink is palatable, and the energy effects are pronounced well passed the 5 hour mark. Five Hour Energy shot does however sky-rocket your blood pressure to a dangerous degree, which can cause heart problems if used long-term.

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5-Hour Energy Shot
MSRP$3.99
Release date January, 2009
BrandChaser
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Pros & Cons23
Reviews42
Details
Buy It6
Competitors1
Comments22
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
37 reviews
65
negative
mixed
positive
24 positive
2 mixed
11 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
pretty pricey
+21agreedisagree

•
even better than caffeine pills
+12agreedisagree

•
it works
+6agreedisagree

•
It helps when going on runs
+5agreedisagree

•
Too expensive BUT it works.
+4agreedisagree

•
it works:doesn't taste bad; 4 calories
+3agreedisagree

•
It is a easy up easy down surplus of extra energy. No jitters, heart racing or nausea.
+2agreedisagree

•
it doesn't taste bad
-1agreedisagree

•
Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.
-1agreedisagree

•
Cheap way to kill yourself!!!
-2agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Your body won't absorb most of the excess vitamins contained in the shot (%8333 DV of B12, impossible to absorb)
+7agreedisagree

•
using too often reduces if not eliminates effects
+3agreedisagree

•
Makes your blood pressure sky rocket and may give heart problems if you use it longterm.
+2agreedisagree

•
it's hard to find extensive information about. contains phenyketonurics? what is that?
+2agreedisagree

•
You can possibly die!!!!
+1agreedisagree

•
"no-crash" is a lie, as product contains caffeine
0agreedisagree

•
Has tendency to last longer than 5 hours if not used frequently.
0agreedisagree

•
Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.
-1agreedisagree

•
Completely unnecessary when Wired 344s exist.
-1agreedisagree

•
Makes you feel nauseous
-5agreedisagree

•
Niacin flush
-5agreedisagree

•
It tastes disgusting
-7agreedisagree

•
Does not work at all
-12agreedisagree


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Details

Ingredients and Nutrition

Taurine, L-Tyrosine, Malic Acid, L-Phenylalanine, N-Acetyl, Caffeine, B6, B12 (500 mcg)

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This report was started March 30, 2007 at 7:09 pm by yuku-aki
with the last edit occurring Today, 3:08 AM by et bravo
This page has been viewed 64476 times, with 459 edits by 57 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Chaser 5-hour Energy shot | Orange - 12 bottles

• 5-Hour Energy Orange 12 bttls

UPC: 719410300128

MPN: 719410300128

Chaser 5-hour Energy shot | Berry - 12 bottles

• Living Essentials 5 Hour Energy Berry -- 12 Pack

UPC: 719410500122

MPN: 719410500122

Chaser 5-hour Energy shot | Lemon-Lime - 12 bottles

• 5-hour Energy, Lemon-lime, 2-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 12)

UPC: 719410400125

EAN: 719410400125

MPN: 418127

Competitors

Diesel Energy Stix?

Diesel Energy Stix®

MSRP  $14.90    Released  March, 2008

Diesel Energy Stix Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
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Comments

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1.  avatar KD1964 said:

I used Chaser once to stay up late. Maybe it helps some people, but I was not affected and it was disappointing. I anticipated feeling a jolt of energy, but it never came. Plus, it didn't taste good or sweet. I'm not a caffeine junkie, but I learned through drinking lots of energy drinks that it is best to stick to teas. Tea that contains caffeine or matiene like yerbamate, ginseng tea, black and green teas have me less likely get a stomach ache and "crash".
Apr 02, 2007 1:13pm
2.  avatar themoch said:

Just an FYI, this product contains high levels of chemicals (niacin, and b12) that might make you test as a false positive on a drug test. when they administer the test they check for things that flush out the body, and mask other chemicals, these two are on that list.
Apr 03, 2007 1:25pm
3.  avatar r&binodem said:

Now, for some thing serious to report. 5Hour Energy cost my husband a trip to the hospital per ambulance. He is a healthy man who drinks 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning but the first time he took this drink turned out costly. He developed symptons of a heart attack or stroke 5 hours after taking the 2 oz bottle. His emergency room doctor, cardiologist and neurologist couldn't find another reason other than this drink for his symptons. They read the label of the bottle and said his blurred vision, numbness in his left arm and profuse sweating were affects of the niacin. It caused him to collapse, loose consciousness and 3 days in the hospital. They ran a battery of tests on him and they concluded this drink caused this event. Thank God he recovered but please watch out!
Oct 09, 2007 3:50pm
4.  avatar deathkenli said:

r&binodem : niacin is vitamin B.

Chaser 5 Hour is amazing! You don't feel it because you don't feel jitter and high, it just keeps you gonig and going....

read this you morons
http://energy-drink-ratings.blogspot.com/2006/05/chaser-5-hour-energy-drink-review.html
Nov 10, 2007 4:39am
5.  avatar nesselco03 said:

I am 18, it was the week of exams and I had a Government test that I studied for, for the past week; the day of the exam I decided to take the 5-Hour Energy shot, and within five min. I couldn't breathe, my throat felt like it was closing up, I started to shake and couldn't talk. My, mom, a critical care nurse was with me at the time and helped me. I found out that my body couldn't handle the Niacin amount. So people who are considering trying this product, just keep in mind it is not for everyone.

Jan 17, 2008 11:20am
6.  avatar Tampa Promoman said:

The stuff works on two levels.....I don't have to drink 12-20 oz and the energy boost is HUGE. It does help my mind focus as well. That being said I would NOT recommend it be taken if you are going into a high stress situation or not going to work out or something.

I can also get a bit crabby and irritable on this one as well so don't discuss things or try get into an argument with the wife while under the influence.
Feb 18, 2008 12:21pm
7.  avatar Hank said:

I like this drink. It affects me exactly as advertised. It provides energy for around 5 hours and no crash. I usually drink only 1/3 to 1/2 a bottle when I feel tired or need some extra energy. It works nearly every time - occasionally it doesn't work. However, I can't say it wakes me up if I am drowsy, which sounds a little contradictory but it's true. I don't like the taste but it is worth it.
Mar 04, 2008 3:57pm
8.  avatar crbradfo said:

I've used 5 hour energy before and it's great.... I'm wondering if all you people with negative results are drinking the whole bottle instead of half... I have only drank half the bottle both times i have tried it and it is amazing... I took it at 11 and night to study and was wide awake til past 4 in the morning for a Constitutional Law test... I was warned by someone at a healthy smoothie place before hand not to drink the whole bottle my first couple times so i didnt.... So for future reference to those who have not yet experiences, please drink half the bottle! I promise, 4 in the morning i could have stayed up longer and that was only on half the bottle
p.s. I was not shaky, too jittery to concentrate, no rapid heart beat... nothing....
LOVED IT!!!
Apr 16, 2008 2:12pm
9.  avatar curious said:

I totally agree with the comment above. I absolutely love this product, its a life saver during exam season. Anyway, the reason why I am posting is the 5-hour guys are giving away free samples... 5000 of them, I registered and am expecting my stuff soon, plus there's other really cool stuff too...

Apr 23, 2008 4:55pm
10.  avatar wikimun said:

First time, seems to work ok. Concentration etc. increased. Noticed elevated heart rate and increase energy. Have been treated with much higher rates of b-vit and Niacin for illness I once had in the past (prescription levels), so I know these amounts are way below what you can take. -Don't think it will entirely help if you go without sleep so in that case I'd try one and if I was still tired try a energy drink on top. I'm curious to see what happens if you drink this on a regular basis, as far as your body getting used to the higher levels. Guess I will find out.

I was drinking 'No-Fear' energy drink because it had higher levels of caf AND lots of vitamins. Most other energy drinks have little or no vits and I know caf does only so much.

I've had a brain aneurysm and have temporal lobe seizures (every few minutes) which, for the most part just destroy concentration and cause a few other mild things. But since all the known medications don't work very well, energy drinks have been a partial life-saver for me and allow me to work at nearly a normal level (without seizures ). But high caf and sugar are a well known substitute per my endocrinologist. Not real good on the pancreas, though. Energy drinks really ended up reducing my sugar intake and the amount of sucrose in my blood.
Jun 24, 2008 3:02pm
11.  avatar MapLight said:

tried it for the first time today. took half a bottle around 9am and the other half around 2pm. i have been alert all day and no tiredness, no jitters, no crash. seems to work as advertised. taste is ok but not great (berry flavor)

taste seemed better chilled.

i have tried several other energy drinks (Monster, Rockstar, Redbull, Mountain Dew, etc) but this seemed to work as well or better with less calories. (i am at the age where i need less calories )

i bought a 2-pack for 3.99 at grocery store. that's $2 per drink. i have paid between $1.50 and 2.29 for other energy drinks (albiet more ounces), so i don't see where the price is that far off. i think those choking on the price are looking at per ounce cost instead of net effect per dollar
Jul 31, 2008 8:03pm
12.  avatar JBANK said:

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS STUFF GUYS!!!! I am 28 years old and in great health and shape but this stuff shot me to the moon. I should have known something was weird about it when they didn't disclose the amount of caffeine that is in it. Check the supplement facts label....It IS NOT on there. The company says it only has caffeine equal to a cup of coffee, but I have never had a cup of coffee that strong! When I took it, within minutes my heart beat felt like it was racing, I got shortness of breath, started to feel super jittery and even felt a little light headed at times! This uneasy and to be quite honest scary feeling lasted several hours and I actually had to leave work because of it. If I were to make any recommendation about this product, it would be STAY FAR, FAR AWAY!!
Sep 18, 2008 3:20pm
13.  avatar jamaicanadianBACON said:

I think that it works pretty well but it tastes like butt crack!!! lolz sorry I drank one this morning and I'm like completely wired!!!
Sep 29, 2008 9:52am
14.  avatar Mercedes.Miranda said:

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THIS DRINK. My precious 33-year-old son passed away on Wed, 1 Oct 08 at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, NC. He was in perfect health. He would always score 300 (perfect) in all his Army Physical Fitness Tests. He went out jogging that evening, and his heart stopped. The neighboors that found him tried to administer CPR, but they were unable to bring my son back. His heart and brain have been sent to a forensic institute in Walter Reed Army Hospital to determine the cause of death. The cousins that lived with him told me that he did use this product, so while I cannot state that this product was the cause of my son's death, I wouldn't trust it.
Oct 10, 2008 4:30pm
15.  avatar pacewvu said:

I tried this product for the first time today. I have to say that about 5 minutes after taking 5 hour energy I became extremely light headed and felt like I was going to pass out. That feeling went away for a while but then came back over and over for about 3 hours before it eventually stopped. I got so light headed that i began to see stars and had to find something to hold onto so that I wouldn't fall out on the ground. I know it probably works fine for most people but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because you really don't know how it is going to affect you until it may be too late.
Oct 16, 2008 9:22pm
16.  avatar corneydoggirl said:

First time i started taking them regularly, it began to feel like an addiction, I had to have one. At times the thing would not wear off, I timed it and it had lasted to appromixtly 11 hours, double the amount it says it last, and I had only taken one. One day at work I could not function Id have to sit down in the cold air, I was over-heating, Shaking, blacking out, and I'm in perfect health. I feel terrible now because ive introduced it to my co-workers and now i see the addiction within them, and I know everyone has different side effects, but too much of one vitamin can kill you, basically too much of anything can kill you. But people refuse to listen, so I am making a documentary and filming everything, from personal accounts to interviews to actually filming people on them before and after. I believe you should only take them for emergencies if its nessecary, for now ill keep you updated on how the filming process is going.
Dec 08, 2008 12:48pm
17.  avatar mrsrower said:

I tried this a few times, always splitting the bottle, because I wanted more energy for fewer calories. But this stuff affected me big style- jitters, lightheadedness palpitations, sweats, followed by a big crash. NOT something I'd want to get used to. I switched to an energy patch instead (it is here: http://www.spotonenergy.com) and found that was much more manageable.
Dec 29, 2008 5:13pm
18.  avatar jojomojo said:

I had the WORST crash ever after drinking a whole one. I couldnt keep my eyes open after about 4 hours. I had enerygy for those 4 hours but then I was alseep in bed a few hours later. Not worth it!
Dec 31, 2008 7:19pm
19.  avatar polandspring05 said:

This highly varies for users! this is definitely to be noted.

I've definitely heard cases where it has worked well, and I have heard cases where there was no effect.

In my case, not only was there no effect, but I felt nauseous the whole day. Yes, even beyond the 5 hour mark.

I didn't think it tasted that bad though, but it definitely made me feel bad.
Jan 11, 2009 11:54pm
20.  avatar mastma10 said:

This Product works amazling well for me. It may not be for everyone, so be careful. I started by taking half the bottle(about 1 oz.) when i first tried it. The more I got used to it(after 5 bottles), then i started drinking the whole bottle.

I cover up the taste by buying the orange flavor and mixing half of it with my favorite Propel flavor (strawberry-kiwi) and I don't even recognized the disgusting taste.
Jan 12, 2009 2:27pm
21.  avatar tony102401 said:

My father died from this product 5/2/09. He had a massive heart attack after drinking this product. He was going on vacation and less than a hour into his trip he pulled off the highway and had a heart attack a rest stop in st augustine, fl and passed away. He was a healthy 56 year old with no preexisting heart conditions. It was his first and last 5 hour energy drink.  Please beware of this product.

May 24, 2009 8:48am
22.  avatar renozag said:

October 21, 2009

My 44 y.o. wife suffered a hemorrhagic stroke within 24 hours of using this product. She did not have a history of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or any other pre-cursor that would have increased her risk of having a stroke.

It simply isn't worth the risk.
Oct 22, 2009 7:23pm
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

mastma10

avatar
January 12, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
50
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
1 con
trustedtrusted
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey

Cons

  • Makes you feel nauseous

Comments

"This Product works amazling well for me. It may not be for everyone, so be careful. I started by taking half the bottle(about 1 oz.) when i first tried it. The more I got used to it(after 5 bottles), then i started drinking the whole bottle.

I cover up the taste by buying the orange flavor and mixing half of it with my favorite Propel flavor (strawberry-kiwi) and I don't even recognized the disgusting taste."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

corneydoggirl

avatar
December 8, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
2 pros
0 cons
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"First time i started taking them regularly, it began to feel like an addiction, I had to have one. At times the thing would not wear off, I timed it and it had lasted to appromixtly 11 hours, double the amount it says it last, and I had only taken one. One day at work I could not function Id have to sit down in the cold air, I was over-heating, Shaking, blacking out, and I'm in perfect health. I feel terrible now because ive introduced it to my co-workers and now i see the addiction within them, and I know everyone has different side effects, but too much of one vitamin can kill you, basically too much of anything can kill you. But people refuse to listen, so I am making a documentary and filming everything, from personal accounts to interviews to actually filming people on them before and after. I believe you should only take them for emergencies if its nessecary, for now ill keep you updated on how the filming process is going."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

nesko3249

avatar
January 16, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • even better than caffeine pills
  • it works
  • Too expensive BUT it works.
  • it works:doesn't taste bad; 4 calories
  • it doesn't taste bad

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Tampa Promoman

avatar
February 18, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
0 cons
want itwant it
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills
  • Too expensive BUT it works.
  • it doesn't taste bad

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Comments

"The stuff works on two levels.....I don't have to drink 12-20 oz and the energy boost is HUGE. It does help my mind focus as well. That being said I would NOT recommend it be taken if you are going into a high stress situation or not going to work out or something.

I can also get a bit crabby and irritable on this one as well so don't discuss things or try get into an argument with the wife while under the influence."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

mrsrower

avatar
December 29, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
33
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
2 cons
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey

Cons

  • It tastes disgusting
  • Does not work at all

Comments

"I tried this a few times, always splitting the bottle, because I wanted more energy for fewer calories. But this stuff affected me big style- jitters, lightheadedness palpitations, sweats, followed by a big crash. NOT something I'd want to get used to. I switched to an energy patch instead (it is here: http://www.spotonenergy.com) and found that was much more manageable."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fighttolive04

avatar
May 28, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
0 cons
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills
  • it doesn't taste bad

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

medic1mt

avatar
October 31, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
53
negative
mixed
positive
8 pros
7 cons

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills
  • it works
  • It helps when going on runs
  • Too expensive BUT it works.
  • it works:doesn't taste bad; 4 calories
  • Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.
  • Cheap way to kill yourself!!!

Cons

  • Your body won't absorb most of the excess vitamins contained in the shot (%8333 DV of B12, impossible to absorb)
  • using too often reduces if not eliminates effects
  • Makes your blood pressure sky rocket and may give heart problems if you use it longterm.
  • it's hard to find extensive information about. contains phenyketonurics? what is that?
  • You can possibly die!!!!
  • "no-crash" is a lie, as product contains caffeine
  • Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

roony1974

avatar
August 16, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
64
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
4 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills
  • it works
  • It helps when going on runs
  • Too expensive BUT it works.
  • Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.
  • Cheap way to kill yourself!!!

Cons

  • using too often reduces if not eliminates effects
  • Makes your blood pressure sky rocket and may give heart problems if you use it longterm.
  • You can possibly die!!!!
  • Works wery well but are more dangerous to your heart than amphetamine, just as dangerous to your heart as ephedrine/adrenaline.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

John Lumley

avatar
December 30, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
78
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
2 cons

Pros

  • pretty pricey
  • even better than caffeine pills
  • it works
  • It helps when going on runs
  • Too expensive BUT it works.
  • it works:doesn't taste bad; 4 calories
  • It is a easy up easy down surplus of extra energy. No jitters, heart racing or nausea.

Cons

  • Your body won't absorb most of the excess vitamins contained in the shot (%8333 DV of B12, impossible to absorb)
  • using too often reduces if not eliminates effects

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

therightclique

avatar
October 11, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
11
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
8 cons

Pros

  • pretty pricey

Cons

  • Your body won't absorb most of the excess vitamins contained in the shot (%8333 DV of B12, impossible to absorb)
  • using too often reduces if not eliminates effects
  • Makes your blood pressure sky rocket and may give heart problems if you use it longterm.
  • it's hard to find extensive information about. contains phenyketonurics? what is that?
  • "no-crash" is a lie, as product contains caffeine
  • Completely unnecessary when Wired 344s exist.
  • It tastes disgusting
  • Does not work at all

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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5, hour, 5hour