If you’ve ever been to a convenience store, gas station, pharmacy or even a store that sells energy drinks you’ve probably noticed tiny bottles labeled “5-Hour Energy” These shots are a better alternative than a extra sweet energy drink. The convenience factor is impressive but the 5-Hour Energy ingredients list may cause some concern.

5-Hour Energy is full of B-vitamins, without them you would be very tired. The 5-Hour Energy shot contains varying amounts of Niacin, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 in doses thousands of times higher than your body needs. Even worse, some B-vitamins can cause unpleasant side effects in high doses. For example, Niacin causes flushing; too much can cause liver damage and stomach ulcers. B-12 causes blood clots in the legs, swelling, diarrhea, insomnia and exhaustion. Finally too much B-6 causes gastrointestinal problems, skin issues and neurological symptoms. Other symptoms include dizziness, anxiety, nausea, seizures, brain hemorrhages and heart attacks. The most severe symptom is death which has been reported 13 times since production.

There is some good news, disregarding all the potential damages of 5-Hour energy, the shot only contains four calories meaning it is unlikely to affect your normal calorie intake. It’s a better alternative than soda. The shots are sugar free which means no sugar crash. But when consumed right before or after a meal and while drinking lots of water, 5-Hour Energy can be extremely beneficial. The only true downfall from 5-Hour Energy comes as a result of being dehydrated. Just make sure to drink lots of water and you should be perfectly fine as you get that extra pep in your step.