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Compare Neupro vs. Sinemet

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

Key takeaways

Neupro (rotigotine) and Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have different forms. Neupro is a dopamine agonist that comes as a patch you apply to your skin once a day, making it a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. Sinemet, on the other hand, is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa that you take by mouth multiple times a day. Sinemet is available in generic form, which can be more affordable, while Neupro is only available as a brand name. Neupro can also treat moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS), whereas Sinemet is specifically for PD and Parkinsonism. Both medications can make you very sleepy and cause hallucinations, but Neupro can also cause skin irritation where the patch is applied. Sinemet can turn your urine, sweat, and saliva dark, which is harmless but can stain clothing.

  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • neupro (rotigotine)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Neupro (rotigotine) is a dopamine agonist used to treat adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and uncontrollable leg movements. The medication comes as a patch that you apply to your skin once a day. Neupro (rotigotine) is only available as a brand-name medication, with no generic version. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

    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 Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS)
    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 Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Approved to treat both PD and RLS
    •Patch is applied to the skin once a day
    •Good option for people who don't want to take pills
    Cons
    •Can't stop suddenly; must wean off the medication
    •Not suitable for people with sulfite allergies
    •Can cause serious side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations
    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 Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for

    Parkinson's disease

    •Nausea (28-48%)
    •Application site reaction (19-46%)
    •Sleepiness (12-32%)
    •Dizziness (14-23%)
    •Vomiting (8-20%)
    •Tiredness (6-18%)
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (14-17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (6-14%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (2-14%)
    •Hallucinations (0-13%)
    •Joint pain (8-11%)
    •Excessive sweating (1-11%)
    •Headache (8-10%)

    Restless leg syndrome

    •Application site reactions (23–43%)
    •Nausea (15–23%)
    •Headache (15–21%)
    •Fatigue and weakness (7-14%)
    •Sleepiness (5-10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (3-10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Hallucinations and mental health changes
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Impulsive behavior
    •High blood pressure and heart rate
    •Weight gain and swelling
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Skin reactions
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    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 Neupro vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about neupro
    Learn more about Sinemet

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