I find HN is pretty strongly pro-drug and pro-supplement.
The whole article highlights the effect of tryptophan as a serotonin precursor. Just pointing out that this might not be as novel as it seems. Also, 5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid classified as a food supplement, so not exactly a drug.
It's a supplement, they're entirely different according to the FDA.
according to lobbyists
5-HTP is created by your body, from L-Tryptophan, which is an amino acid. Your body converts many micro-nutrients into various amino acids and hormones. Some vendors pre-convert these things so they are in a safer form to use. 5-HTP is much safer to consume than L-Tryptophan.
In which way is tryptophan unsafe?
There is a risk of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). [1] There are pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of EMS that may not be evident, as liver / kidney damage is not apparent until it reaches near totality.
They are not suggesting a drug. 5-HTP is used by ravers to combat after effects of MDMA (Extasy), as MDMA depletes serotonin by releasing large amounts of it.