5-HTP: Why Script Unlock Beats GoodRx in 2026
GoodRx made coupons mainstream — but the model has structural limits. For 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), Script Unlock pharmacy bidding is consistently cheaper and never sells your prescription data.
GoodRx avg: ~$14/mo · Script Unlock avg: $9/mo · Up to 25% off retail
GoodRx vs Script Unlock for 5-HTP
| Feature | GoodRx | Script Unlock |
|---|---|---|
| How price is set | Pre-negotiated fixed rate | Real-time pharmacy competition |
| 5-HTP price method | Shows negotiated coupon price | Pharmacies bid against each other |
| Can beat the coupon? | ❌ Price is fixed | ✅ Pharmacies compete lower |
| Compounding pharmacies | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
| Free for patients | ✅ | ✅ |
| Account required | Optional | ❌ Never required |
For 5-HTP: GoodRx price is a static negotiated rate at specific chains. Script Unlock creates live competition — pharmacies actively bid, often producing prices below any static coupon.
Head-to-Head: Script Unlock vs GoodRx for 5-HTP
| Feature | GoodRx | Script Unlock |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Fixed coupon (PBM-set) | Live pharmacy competition |
| 5-HTP price | ~$14/mo | $9/mo |
| Your prescription data | Sold to PBMs & ad networks | Never sold |
| Pharmacy choice | Limited network | 500+ verified pharmacies |
| Price guarantee | No — can change at counter | Locked bid price |
| Avg savings vs retail | 40–60% | Up to 25% |
| Insurance required | No | No |
| Cost to patient | Free | Free |
The GoodRx Data Problem
Coupon platforms are not free. You pay with your prescription history.
- FTC action (2023): GoodRx was fined $1.5M for sharing user health data — including prescription information — with Facebook, Google, and Criteo ad platforms without consent.
- PBM revenue model: GoodRx's largest revenue stream is fees from pharmacy benefit managers — the same entities that inflate 5-HTP prices. The "free" coupon is subsidised by the PBM industry.
- Permanent profile: Every 5-HTP fill run through a coupon platform joins your health-data profile — sold to data brokers even after you delete the app.
- Script Unlock model: Pharmacies pay a flat fee when they win a bid. We never see, sell, or share your prescription data.
Real Price Example: 5-HTP 30-Day Supply
National averages for 5-HTP. Local bids may be lower depending on pharmacy density and dose.
5-HTP GoodRx Alternative by State
Pharmacy bids vary by state — see your local Script Unlock price:
Frequently Asked Questions — 5-HTP vs GoodRx
Is Script Unlock better than GoodRx for 5-HTP?
For 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), Script Unlock typically delivers a lower price than GoodRx because pharmacies actively bid against each other. GoodRx averages ~$14/month for 5-HTP; Script Unlock bids commonly land at $9/month — saving a further 36% on top of the GoodRx coupon. Your prescription data is also never sold.
Does GoodRx sell your data?
GoodRx earns significant revenue from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who pay for prescription data. A 2023 FTC enforcement action fined GoodRx $1.5M for sharing health data with Facebook and Google. Script Unlock earns from pharmacy bid fees only — your 5-HTP prescription data is never sold, shared, or rented.
Why are Script Unlock prices lower than GoodRx for 5-HTP?
GoodRx negotiates one fixed price with a PBM and pushes it as a coupon to participating pharmacies — no competition. Script Unlock removes the PBM entirely: verified pharmacies bid directly on your 5-HTP prescription knowing they're competing against local rivals. Real competition drives bids to genuine floor prices.
Can I use Script Unlock at any pharmacy?
Script Unlock works with 500+ verified, NPI-licensed pharmacies across the US — independents, regional chains, and select nationals. You are not locked into a specific network. After bids arrive, you choose the pharmacy and pay them directly.
Is Script Unlock free for patients?
Yes — completely free for patients. No membership, no coupon card, no print-out, no insurance required. Pharmacies pay a small fee when they win a bid. Patients pay only the cash price the pharmacy quoted.
See real bids for 5-HTP — free, no account needed
No data sold. Pharmacies compete on cash price and you pay the winner directly.
Get 5-HTP BidsWe never sell prescription data