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Compare Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

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

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.

  • Pramipexole
    Carbidopa (Lodosyn)
  • Pramipexole
    Carbidopa (Lodosyn)

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). The dosage depends on what form you’re taking: the immediate-release tablet is taken 3 times per day and the extended-release tablet is taken once per day. The immediate-release is only available as a lower-cost generic (the brand name Mirapex has been discontinued in the US). The extended-release version of this medication is available as brand (Mirapex ER) and generic. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and tiredness.

    Summary for Decarboxylase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Carbidopa (Lodosyn) is taken with Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) or levodopa alone to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), like shakiness and slowed movement. The medication belongs to the decarboxylase inhibitor class and it works by helping levodopa better travel into your brain so it can relieve your symptoms. This might allow some people to take a lower dose of levodopa, which can lower some of its side effects. Side effects include fatigue, a drop in blood pressure, changes in urination, and weight changes.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

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

    When taken together with levodopa or Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa):

    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism

  • Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to control movement problems
    •Available in a lower-cost generic version
    •Extended-release tablet can be taken once daily
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet
    •Can cause extreme sleepiness
    •Immediate-release tablets need to be taken 3 times per day.
    Pros and Const for Decarboxylase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps levodopa relieve your Parkinson's symptoms
    •Might allow some people to take a lower dose of levodopa, which can ease side effects like nausea and vomiting
    •Can split the tablet in half as needed
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Doesn't work when used alone and must be taken with levodopa
    •Might need to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause psychotic behavior and strong urges
    •Can make you fall asleep suddenly with or without warning

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

    Common Side Effects for

    Early Parkinson’s disease (PD)

    •Sleepiness (33-36%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Constipation (12-14%)
    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Swelling in arms or legs (5-8%)
    •Fatigue (6%)
    •Hallucinations (5-6%)
    •Dry mouth (4-5%)

    Restless legs syndrome

    •Nausea (16%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Fatigue (9%)
    •Sleepiness (6%)
    •Constipation (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia)
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Intense urges
    •Hallucinations and behavior changes
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Changes to your posture
    •Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion (from levodopa)
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Carbidopa

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    Learn more about Carbidopa

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