Key takeaways
Pramipexole (Mirapex, Mirapex ER) and carbidopa/levodopa (Duopa) are both medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some differences. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist, which means it helps increase dopamine levels in the brain to improve movement problems. It's is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release tablets, and immediate-release pramipexole is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS). Carbidopa/levodopa, on the other hand, is a combination of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor and dopamine replacement that helps to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Carbidopa/levodopa is administered through a PEG-J tube using an infusion pump. Immediate-release pramipexole is available as a generic, whereas extended-release pramipexole and carbidopa/levodopa only come as a brand. Common side effects of pramipexole include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness, while Carbidopa/levodopa can cause nausea, constipation, and involuntary muscle movements. Both medications can cause extreme sleepiness, hallucinations, and changes in behavior. Carbidopa/levodopa requires minor surgery for tube placement, which is not needed for pramipexole.
