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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 carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) are both prescription medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some differences. Pramipexole is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets, and immediate-release pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist, which means it works by mimicking dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa/levodopa, on the other hand, comes in immediate-release, extended-release, and orally disintegrating tablets. It is a combination of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor and dopamine replacement that helps increase dopamine levels in the brain. Common side effects of pramipexole include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness, while carbidopa/levodopa may cause involuntary movements, nausea, and dark-colored saliva, sweat, or urine. Both medications can cause extreme sleepiness, hallunications, and behavior changes.

  • 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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