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.
