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Tasmar vs. Requip

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

Key takeaways

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and ropinirole are both medications used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work in different ways and have distinct uses. Tolcapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that helps stabilize levodopa levels in the brain, and it must be used with carbidopa/levodopa. It can cause serious liver damage, requiring regular liver monitoring. Ropinirole, on the other hand, is a dopamine agonist that mimics dopamine in the brain. It can be used alone for PD and also treats restless legs syndrome (RLS). Ropinirole can cause impulsive behaviors, and it should not be stopped suddenly due to withdrawal risks. While both medications can cause dizziness and hallucinations, tolcapone can also cause liver damage.

Tolcapone

(Tasmar)

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Ropinirole

 

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Summary for Tasmar

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.

Indications for Tasmar

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

Pros and Cons for Tasmar

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

Common Side Effects for Tasmar

  • 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%)

Warnings for Tasmar

  • 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)

Summary for Requip

Prescription only

Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that's used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults. For Parkinson's disease, the immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth three times per day, and the extended-release tablets are taken once per day. Ropinirole side effects include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Indications for Requip

Pros and Cons for Requip

Pros

  • Works well to control movement problems
  • Can take with or without food
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
  • Can have a lot of side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real)
  • Can't suddenly stop taking ropinirole because of risk of withdrawal symptoms

Common Side Effects for Requip

Parkinson's disease:

  • Nausea (60%)
  • Dizziness (40%)
  • Sleepiness (40%)
  • Weakness (16%)
  • Feeling faint (12%)
  • Vomiting (12%)
  • Viral infection (11%)
  • Indigestion (10%)

Restless legs syndrome:

  • Nausea (40%)
  • Sleepiness (12%)
  • Vomiting (11%)
  • Dizziness (11%)

Warnings for Requip

  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
  • Intense urges
  • Hallucinations and behavior changes
  • Difficulty controlling body movements
  • Worsening symptoms of RLS (immediate-release tablets only)

Prices with our coupons for Tasmar vs. Requip

Price Card Drug Icon
Tolcapone90 tablets / 100mg
$1,039.65-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ropinirole30 tablets / 1mg
$9.00$9.00
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