Key takeaways
Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and carbidopa (Lodosyn) are both prescription medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some important differences. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist, while carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor. Pramipexole is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets, and immediate-release pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Carbidopa helps more levodopa reach the brain, so must be taken with levodopa or Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) to be effective. Carbidopa is available as a generic and is typically taken multiple times a day. Common side effects of pramipexole include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness, while carbidopa can cause involuntary movements and nausea. Both medications can cause impulsive behaviors as well as hallucinations and extreme sleepiness.
