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Mirapex vs. Zelapar

Pramipexole is used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It's approved for adults and works as a dopamine agonist to help control movements. For PD, you can take the immediate-release tablets by mouth, usually 3 times a day. There's also an option to take the extended-release tablets just once a day. For RLS, only the immediate-release tablets are available. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness. Pramipexole is a generic medication. The brand name Mirapex is no longer available.

• Parkinson's disease (PD)
• Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only

Early Parkinson’s disease:

• Nausea (28%)
• Dizziness (25%)
• Sleepiness (22%)
• Trouble sleeping (17%)
• Constipation (14%)
• Weakness (14%)

Restless legs syndrome:

• Nausea (16%)
• Headache (16%)
• Tiredness (9%)
• Sleepiness (6%)
• Constipation (4%)

• Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
• Low blood pressure when standing up
• Trouble controlling impulsive behavior
• Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
• Trouble controlling body movements
• Changes in your posture
• Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
• Possible worsening of RLS symptoms
• Withdrawal symptoms while lowering the dose or after stopping the medication

Selegiline helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease in people who have "off" episodes as their carbidopa/levodopa medication starts to wear off. Selegiline is a type of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a drug class that has many drug interactions. Generic selegiline tablets and capsules are taken twice per day; the brand name for the pills, Eldepryl, is no longer available. Selegiline also comes as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) under the brand name Zelapar that are dissolved on the tongue once per day. Side effects include changes in blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness.

• Relief of "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) who are taking a carbidopa/levodopa medication

Selegiline tablets and capsules:

• Nausea (20%)
• Dizziness (14%)
• Stomach pain (8%)
• Confusion (6%)
• Hallucinations (6%)
• Dry mouth (6%)

Zelapar (selegiline) ODTs:

• Nausea (11%)
• Dizziness (11%)
• General body pain (8%)
• Headache (7%)
• Trouble sleeping (7%)
• Runny nose (7%)
• Involuntary movements (dyskinesia; 6%)
• Skin irritation (6%)
• Back pain (5%)
• Indigestion (5%)
• Inflamed or sore mouth (5%)
• Other irritation in the mouth (e.g., pain when swallowing, pain in mouth, mouth sores)

• High blood pressure
• Serotonin syndrome
• Extreme sleepiness and falling asleep during activities
• Low blood pressure and risk of falls
• Difficulty controlling body movements
• Hallucinations and behavior changes
• Intense urges
• Caution in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - Zelapar ODTs only