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Compare Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and carbidopa (Lodosyn) both help to manage symptoms like shakiness and slowed movement in people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). But they are in different medication classes and have some important differences. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, while carbidopa is a decarboxylase inhibitor. Tolcapone is used as an add-on treatment with carbidopa/levodopa when symptoms aren't well-controlled, whereas carbidopa is taken with levodopa to help more of it reach the brain. Tolcapone is taken three times a day, while carbidopa's dosing depends on your carbidopa/levodopa dose and can be taken up to four times a day. Tolcapone can cause serious liver damage and requires regular liver monitoring, while carbidopa can cause changes in behavior and thoughts, including hallucinations and impulsive behavior. Both medications can cause sleepiness. Both medications are avaiblle as a generic.

  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Carbidopa (Lodosyn)
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Carbidopa (Lodosyn)

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    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 Decarboxylase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Carbidopa (Lodosyn) is taken with Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) or levodopa alone to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), like shakiness and slowed movement. The medication belongs to the decarboxylase inhibitor class and it works by helping levodopa better travel into your brain so it can relieve your symptoms. This might allow some people to take a lower dose of levodopa, which can lower some of its side effects. Side effects include fatigue, a drop in blood pressure, changes in urination, and weight changes.

  • Indications of Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD); as add-on treatment to carbidopa/levodopa
    Indications for

    When taken together with levodopa or Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa):

    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Parkinsonism

  • Pros and Cons of Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    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 Decarboxylase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps levodopa relieve your Parkinson's symptoms
    •Might allow some people to take a lower dose of levodopa, which can ease side effects like nausea and vomiting
    •Can split the tablet in half as needed
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Doesn't work when used alone and must be taken with levodopa
    •Might need to be taken multiple times per day
    •Can cause psychotic behavior and strong urges
    •Can make you fall asleep suddenly with or without warning

  • Common Side Effects of Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    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
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia)
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    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
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion (from levodopa)
    •Impulsive behavior
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Carbidopa

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Carbidopa

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