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Compare Sinemet vs. Mirapex

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

Key takeaways

Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) and pramipexole (Mirapex ER) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different dosing schedules. Sinemet is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa, where levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, and carbidopa prevents levodopa from breaking down before it reaches the brain. Pramipexole, on the other hand, is a dopamine agonist that mimics dopamine's effects in the brain. Sinemet is taken multiple times a day, while pramipexole's immediate-release form is also taken three times a day, but its extended-release form is taken once daily. Sinemet can cause dark-colored urine, saliva, and sweat, while pramipexole can lead to compulsive behaviors like binge eating and gambling. Both medications can cause sleepiness and should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. Sinemet is available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, while pramipexole is only available as a tablet.

  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
    Pramipexole
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
    Pramipexole

  • Summary of Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have signs and symptoms of PD, including slowness, stiffness, shakiness, and imbalance)
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome - immediate-release tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    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
    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.

  • Common Side Effects of Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Sinemet vs. Mirapex

    Learn more about Sinemet
    Learn more about Pramipexole

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