Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tasmar vs. Sinemet

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they have some key differences. Sinemet is a first-choice treatment option that can be taken alone, while Tolcapone is an add-on medication used when carbidopa/levodopa alone isn't effective. Sinemet combines carbidopa and levodopa to increase dopamine levels in the brain, helping to relieve PD symptoms. Tolcapone, on the other hand, is a COMT inhibitor that stabilizes levodopa levels when taken with Sinemet. Sinemet is available in multiple forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Tolcapone must be taken three times a day and has significant risks, including serious liver damage, which requires regular monitoring. Both medications can cause sleepiness and sudden sleep episodes, but Tolcapone can also cause liver failure and muscle damage.

  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Tolcapone (Tasmar)
    Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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 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 Tasmar vs. Sinemet

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

    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 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 Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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, 12-17%)
    •Nausea (6%)

  • Warnings of Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    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
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Skin cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Sinemet

    Learn more about Tolcapone
    Learn more about Sinemet

Compare other Parkinson's Disease drugs

Entacapone vs TasmarTasmar vs AzilectTasmar vs BromocriptineTasmar vs CarbidopaTasmar vs Carbidopa LevodopaTasmar vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeTasmar vs Carbidopa Levodopa Extended ReleaseTasmar vs DuopaTasmar vs EldeprylTasmar vs RequipTasmar vs RytaryEldepryl vs AzilectEldepryl vs CarbidopaEldepryl vs Carbidopa LevodopaEldepryl vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeEldepryl vs Carbidopa Levodopa Extended ReleaseEldepryl vs DuopaEldepryl vs RytaryEldepryl vs SymmetrelEntacapone vs Carbidopa LevodopaEntacapone vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeEntacapone vs DuopaEntacapone vs EldeprylMirapex vs Carbidopa LevodopaMirapex vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeMirapex vs DuopaNeupro vs Carbidopa LevodopaNeupro vs Carbidopa Levodopa EntacaponeRequip vs Carbidopa LevodopaRequip vs Carbidopa Levodopa Entacapone
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.