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Compare Mirapex vs. Sinemet

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

Key takeaways

Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that helps raise dopamine levels in the brain to improve mpvement problems, while Sinemet combines two medications - carbidopa and levodopa - to increase dopamine levels. 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 once daily. Sinemet also comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, but it generally needs to be taken multiple times per day regardless of the form.Pramipexole can cause side effects like extreme sleepiness, dizziness, and compulsive behaviors, while Sinemet can cause involuntary movements, dark-colored urine, and hallucinations. Both medications can make you very sleepy and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider.

  • Pramipexole
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Pramipexole
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication made up of carbidopa and levodopa. It's one of the first-choice options for Parkinson's disease (PD) to relieve symptoms, such as shakiness and slowed movement. The medication comes in many forms and strengths, but it must be taken multiple times per day in order to relieve your PD symptoms.

  • Indications of Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have signs and symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, shakiness, and imbalance)

  • Pros and Cons of Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating PD symptoms
    •Available in many forms: immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets
    •Available in multiple strengths, so your provider can prescribe a higher dose if needed
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Usually needs to be taken multiple times per day to control PD symptoms
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Can darken the color of your saliva, sweat, and urine
    •Might not work as well if your PD symptoms worsen

  • Common Side Effects of Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    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, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    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
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Mirapex vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about Pramipexole
    Learn more about Sinemet

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