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Compare Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and bromocriptine (Parlodel) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have different uses. Tolcapone (Tasmar) is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that helps stabilize levodopa levels in the brain, and it must be used with carbidopa/levodopa. Bromocriptine (Parlodel), on the other hand, is a dopamine agonist that activates dopamine receptors and can be used alone for PD, as well as for conditions like high prolactin levels and acromegaly. Tolcapone (Tasmar) has a significant risk of liver damage and requires regular liver monitoring, while bromocriptine (Parlodel) can cause changes in blood pressure and has a risk of high blood pressure, including if used after childbirth. Bromocriptine (Parlodel) and Tolcapone (Tasmar) are both available as a generic, making them more affordable. Both medications can cause dizziness and sleepiness, so you should be cautious when driving or doing activities that require focus.

  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Bromocriptine (Parlodel)

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Summary for COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tolcapone (Tasmar) is an oral add-on medication for Parkinson's disease (PD). It's usually used when carbidopa/levodopa isn't controlling PD symptoms well enough.

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Bromocriptine (Parlodel) is used to treat conditions associated with high prolactin levels, as well as Parkinson's disease and acromegaly (too much growth hormone). This medication is available as a generic or brand name (Parlodel). Nausea, constipation, and dizziness are common side effects of bromocriptine (Parlodel). While there's limited information available, reports suggest that bromocriptine (Parlodel) doesn't seem to raise the risk for birth defects if taken by mothers during pregnancy.

  • Indications of Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD); as add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa
    Indications for
    •High levels of growth hormone in adults (acromegaly)
    •Conditions related to high levels of prolactin (hyperprolactinemia)
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)

  • Pros and Cons of Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Pros and Const for COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can help relieve PD symptoms that occur between levodopa doses; sometimes called the "wearing-off" effect
    •For the brand medication (Tasmar), the manufacturer offers a copay savings card for those with private insurance.
    Cons
    •Can cause liver failure; not a good option for people with liver problems
    •Has a lot of side effects
    •Cannot be taken alone; only used as an add-on medication
    •Can be expensive
    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Can treat many different conditions
    •Only needs to be taken once or twice a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    Cons
    •Commonly causes nausea as a side effect
    •Can cause changes in blood pressure
    •Only comes as a 2.5 mg tablet or 5 mg capsule, so you might need to take a lot of pills if you're taking a high dose
    •Should be taken with food

  • Common Side Effects of Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 42%)
    •Nausea (30%)
    •Sleep problems (24%)
    •Excessive dreaming (21%)
    •Muscle contractions and cramps (17—19%)
    •Loss of appetite (19%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Low blood pressure (17%)
    •Diarrhea (16%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Confusion (11%)
    •Headache (10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 49%)
    •Headache (19%)
    •Dizziness (17%)
    •Constipation (up to 14%)
    •Tiredness (up to 7%)
    •Low blood pressure when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension, up to 6%)
    •Feeling lightheaded (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious liver damage
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use during pregnancy and after giving birth
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •Changes in blood pressure
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Fluid around the heart or lungs
    •Blood flow problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Bromocriptine

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Bromocriptine

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