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Compare Zelapar vs. Sinemet

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Selegiline (Zelapar) and Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to manage Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have distinct uses. Selegiline is an MAO-B inhibitor that helps prevent the breakdown of dopamine in your brain, extending the effects of levodopa. It's typically used as an add-on treatment for those already taking carbidopa/levodopa. On the other hand, Sinemet is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa, which directly increases dopamine levels and is often a first-choice treatment for PD. Selegiline comes in tablets, capsules, and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), while Sinemet is available in immediate-release, extended-release, and ODT forms. Selegiline can cause high blood pressure if you eat foods high in tyramine, whereas Sinemet can make you very sleepy and cause dark-colored saliva, sweat, or urine. Selegiline is available in both generic and brand-name forms, but the ODT version is only available as a brand name, making it more expensive. Sinemet is available in a lower-cost generic form.

  • Selegiline
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Selegiline
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Selegiline helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease in people who have "off" episodes as their carbidopa/levodopa medication starts to wear off. Selegiline is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a drug class that has many drug interactions. Generic selegiline tablets and capsules are taken twice per day; the brand name for the pills, Eldepryl, is no longer available. Selegiline also comes as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) under the brand name Zelapar that are dissolved on the tongue once per day. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.

    Summary for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication made up of carbidopa and levodopa. It's one of the first-choice options for Parkinson's disease (PD) to relieve symptoms, such as shakiness and slowed movement. The medication comes in many forms and strengths, but it must be taken multiple times per day in order to relieve your PD symptoms.

  • Indications of Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Indications for
    •Relief of "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are taking a carbidopa/levodopa medication
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have signs and symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, shakiness, and imbalance)

  • Pros and Cons of Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •Extends the actions of carbidopa/levodopa to relieve PD symptoms
    •Comes as tablets, capsules, and ODTs
    •Taken once or twice a day, depending on the form of the medication
    Cons
    •Doesn't work well when you take it by itself; must take in addition to a carbidopa/levodopa medication
    •Commonly causes nausea and dizziness
    Pros and Const for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating PD symptoms
    •Available in many forms: immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets
    •Available in multiple strengths, so your provider can prescribe a higher dose if needed
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Usually needs to be taken multiple times per day to control PD symptoms
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Can darken the color of your saliva, sweat, and urine
    •Might not work as well if your PD symptoms worsen

  • Common Side Effects of Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for

    Selegiline tablets and capsules:

    •Nausea (20%)
    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Confusion (6%)
    •Hallucinations (6%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)

    Zelapar (selegiline) ODTs:

    •Nausea (11%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •General body pain (8%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Trouble sleeping (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 6%)
    •Skin irritation (6%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Inflamed or sore mouth (5%)
    •Other irritation in the mouth (e.g., pain when swallowing, pain in mouth, mouth sores)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Extreme sleepiness and falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Hallucinations and behavior changes
    •Intense urges
    •Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Zelapar ODTs only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Zelapar vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about Selegiline
    Learn more about Sinemet

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