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Compare Rytary vs. Sinemet

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

  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Summary for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that's used to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as stiff muscles and slowed movement. It contains carbidopa (a decarboxylase inhibitor) and levodopa (a dopamine replacement) in an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is one capsule by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. This medication doesn't currently have a generic version, but you can get it under the brand name Rytary.

    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 Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)
    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 Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Pros and Const for Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) in people with advanced PD
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    •Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron
    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 Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Headache (up to 17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 7%)
    •Unusual dreams (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 6%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)
    •Anxiety (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    •Drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Heart problems
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer
    •Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma
    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 Rytary vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about Rytary
    Learn more about Sinemet

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