Need help with a custom damage formula

(VX ACE)

I'm in the middle of trying to create a "High risk, high reward" type of skill but have not been successful with applying the correct damage formula to make it happen.

I tried this: a.hp>5; 5; else; 0; end but I kept getting errors and am not exactly sure how I'm supposed to structure it within the damage formula box.

Skill Scope: Self

I need the following to work within the damage formula's box, if possible.

Damage formula: If the user's hp is greater than 5, reduce the user's hp to exactly 5, then apply state x, else do 0, no state, end.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Maybe you forgot to add keyword "if" in front of the condition. And keyword "end" at the end. :D
It's must be: if a.hp>5; 5; else; 0; end;

I have this so far:

if a.hp>5; a.add_state(354); a.hp=5; else; 0; end;

but for whatever reason, it ends up killing the user. The state added doesn't have any death effect to it, so I'm still doing something wrong.

I need the user's HP to be left at exactly 5 if their Hp is over 5 after using it while also applying a state, otherwise, nothing happens. This is what I'm trying to achieve. The state adding part works, but still trying to find the right formula to leave the user's hp at 5 if the "if" requirement is met.

Edit: I've Pmed you @ dsiver144.