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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)

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Rytary

(carbidopa / levodopa)

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Summary for Gocovri

Prescription only

Gocovri (amantadine) belongs to the drug class called NMDA antagonists. This medication is for adults with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It helps people taking levodopa medications with sudden, uncontrolled body movements (dyskinesia). It also helps prevent "off" episodes when levodopa/carbidopa medications wear off. Gocovri (amantadine) is a capsule you take by mouth once a day at bedtime. Common side effects are hallucinations, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Gocovri

Pros and Cons for Gocovri

Pros

  • Only taken once a day
  • Taken with or without food
  • An option for people who have trouble swallowing pills (capsules can be opened and sprinkled on food)

Cons

Common Side Effects for Gocovri

Warnings for Gocovri

  • Feeling sleepy and falling asleep during daily activities
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior and depression
  • Hallucinations and strange behavior
  • Low blood pressure and dizziness
  • High fever and confusion after stopping Gocovri (amantadine)
  • Worsening symptoms after stopping Gocovri (amantadine)
  • Unusual urges and impulsive behaviors

Summary for Rytary

Prescription only

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that helps treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). It raises the dopamine levels in the brain to improve symptoms like stiff muscles and slowed movement. Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is taken by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness.

Indications for Rytary

Pros and Cons for Rytary

Pros

  • Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release 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 for Rytary

  • 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 you get up (up to 5%)

Warnings for Rytary

  • 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
  • Low vitamin B6 levels and seizures
  • 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

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Gocovri60 capsules / 137mg
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Carbidopa/Levodopa ER90 capsules / 48.75mg/195mg of
$278.93$353.84
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