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Compare Mirapex vs. Azilect

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

Key takeaways

Pramipexole and rasagiline (Azilect) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different uses. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that helps improve movement problems by raising dopamine levels in the brain. It is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Pramipexole is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release needing to be taken three times a day and the extended-release taken once daily. On the other hand, rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of dopamine, thus increasing its levels in the brain. Rasagiline is taken once a day and is only used for PD. While both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, rasagiline has specific dietary restrictions due to its interaction with tyramine-rich foods, which can dangerously raise blood pressure. Additionally, rasagiline should not be taken with certain antidepressants due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Pramipexole
    Rasagiline (Azilect)
  • Pramipexole
    Rasagiline (Azilect)

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It's approved for adults and works as a dopamine agonist to help control movements. For PD, you can take the immediate-release tablets by mouth, usually 3 times a day. There's also an option to take the extended-release tablets just once a day. For RLS, only the immediate-release tablets are available. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness. Pramipexole is a generic medication. The brand name Mirapex is no longer available.

    Summary for MAO-B inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Rasagiline (Azilect) is one of the first-choice options to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as shakiness, stiff muscles, and slowed movement. Rasagiline (Azilect) is taken once a day and is available in a lower-cost generic form, but it can make you very sleepy.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Can help improve movement and shaking
    •Comes as immediate-release (3 times daily) and extended-release (once daily)
    Cons
    •Can cause nausea and sleepiness
    •Have to slowly lower the dose to stop the medication to prevent possible withdrawal symptoms
    Pros and Const for MAO-B inhibitor
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for PD, especially for movement problems
    •Can be used to treat early PD
    •Taken once a day
    •Available in a lower-cost, generic version
    Cons
    •Can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome if taken with certain medications
    •Cannot eat foods with very large amounts of tyramine while taking rasagiline (Azilect), because it can raise your blood pressure
    •Not recommended if you have moderate-to-severe liver disease, because the medication can reach very high levels in your body and put you at higher risk for side effects

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for

    Early Parkinson’s disease:

    •Nausea (28%)
    •Dizziness (25%)
    •Sleepiness (22%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17%)
    •Constipation (14%)
    •Weakness (14%)

    Restless legs syndrome:

    •Nausea (16%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Sleepiness (6%)
    •Constipation (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (14%)
    •Joint pain (7%)
    •Stomach upset (7%)
    •Depression (5%)
    •Flu symptoms (5%)
    •Falls (5%)

    Note: Percentages are based on taking the medication alone

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure when standing up
    •Trouble controlling impulsive behavior
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Trouble controlling body movements
    •Changes in your posture
    •Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Possible worsening of RLS symptoms
    •Withdrawal symptoms while lowering the dose or after stopping the medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •High fevers and confusion

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Azilect

    Learn more about Pramipexole
    Learn more about Rasagiline

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