Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Gocovri vs. Rytary

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

Key takeaways

Gocovri (amantadine) and Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways. Gocovri is an NMDA antagonist that helps manage dyskinesia and "off" episodes by raising dopamine levels in the brain. It's taken once a day at night. Common side effects include hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth. Rytary, on the other hand, is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa. It works by replacing dopamine and preventing its breakdown, and it's taken three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Unlike Gocovri, Rytary is not available in a generic form, which can make it more expensive. Both medications can cause sleepiness and should not be stopped suddenly due to the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.

  • Gocovri (amantadine)
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Gocovri (amantadine)
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Summary for NMDA antagonist
    Prescription only

    Gocovri (amantadine) is an NMDA antagonist. It's taken by adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD) to ease sudden uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia) caused by levodopa-containing PD medications. It can also help prevent "off" episodes of levodopa/carbidopa medications, like Sinemet. Gocovri (amantadine) is taken by mouth once a day at nighttime. Common side effects of this medication include hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth.

    Summary for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that's used to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as stiff muscles and slowed movement. It contains carbidopa (a decarboxylase inhibitor) and levodopa (a dopamine replacement) in an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is one capsule by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. This medication doesn't currently have a generic version, but you can get it under the brand name Rytary.

  • Indications of Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Indications for
    •Treatment of dyskinesia (uncontrolled movement) in adults with PD who're taking levodopa/carbidopa
    •Treatment of “off” episodes in adults taking levodopa/carbidopa
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)

  • Pros and Cons of Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Pros and Const for NMDA antagonist
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can be opened and sprinkled on food, so it's convenient for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    •Taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Not a safe option during pregnancy
    •Can't take with alcohol because of serious side effects, like drowsiness
    •Might interact with live vaccines, such as FluMist Quadrivalent
    Pros and Const for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) in people with advanced PD
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    •Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron

  • Common Side Effects of Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Common Side Effects for
    •Hallucinations (21%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Dry mouth (16%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (16%)
    •Lightheadedness when standing (13%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Fall (13%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Headache (up to 17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 7%)
    •Unusual dreams (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 6%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)
    •Anxiety (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    •Drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Common Side Effects for
    •Falling asleep during daily activities
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Problems with mood and hallucinations
    •Low blood pressure and dizziness
    •High fever and confusion (from withdrawal)
    •Unusual urges and impulsive behaviors
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Heart problems
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer
    •Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma

  • Prices with our coupons for Gocovri vs. Rytary

    Learn more about Gocovri
    Learn more about Rytary

Compare other Parkinson's Disease drugs

Artane vs GocovriCogentin vs GocovriGocovri vs RytaryCogentin vs InderalCogentin vs NeurontinCogentin vs PropranololCogentin vs SymmetrelEldepryl vs RytaryEntacapone vs MirapexEntacapone vs RytaryEntacapone vs TasmarMirapex vs AzilectMirapex vs CarbidopaMirapex vs Carbidopa LevodopaMirapex vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeMirapex vs Carbidopa Levodopa Extended ReleaseMirapex vs DuopaMirapex vs EldeprylMirapex vs InbrijaMirapex vs NeuproMirapex vs NeurontinMirapex vs RytaryRequip vs MirapexRytary vs StalevoSinemet vs MirapexTasmar vs AzilectTasmar vs BromocriptineTasmar vs CarbidopaTasmar vs Carbidopa LevodopaTasmar vs Rytary
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.