Compare Azilect vs. carbidopa / levodopa

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

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Azilect (rasagiline)

Prescription only

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease.

Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the recommended medicines to treat Parkinson's disease. It is now available in generic, which makes it more affordable for people without insurance.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is the first choice treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Upsides
  • Azilect (rasagiline) is one of the go-to medicines for Parkinson's disease. It can be used in early and late stages of the disease.
  • Taking Azilect (rasagiline) by itself can help slow down Parkinson's disease, but it works better when it's given with other medicines.
  • Azilect (rasagiline) is available as generic as well as brand name, so there are usually lower out-of-pocket costs for you with insurance.
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is widely available as a regular pill, a quick dissolving pill or a liquid taken through a feeding tube.
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is available in generic.
Downsides
  • It can cause unusual cravings and changes in behavior in some people.
  • Can make you very sleepy.
  • Can stain your saliva, sweat and urine a dark color.
  • Will lose its effect over time as your disease progresses.
  • May need to be taken several times during day to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • May cause unusual cravings in some people.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$54.99
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Lowest price
$117.92
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Reviews
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Side effects
46possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movement
    18%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Accidental injury
    12%
  • Nausea
    12%
  • Falls
    11%
  • Weight loss
    9%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Low blood pressure
    9%
  • Joint pain
    8%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Swelling in arms and legs
    7%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Rash
    6%
  • Sleepiness
    6%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Flu-like symptoms
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Loss of appetite
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Bruising
    5%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    5%
  • Back pain
    4%
  • Cough
    4%
  • Trouble sleeping
    4%
  • Cold or flu
    4%
  • Unusual dreams
    4%
  • Hallucinations
    4%
  • Eyelid problems
    3%
  • Fever
    3%
  • Stomach infection
    3%
  • Stuffy nose
    3%
  • Movement coordination problems
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Infections
    3%
  • Neck pain
    3%
  • Sweating
    3%
  • Tendon swelling
    3%
  • Uncontrollable muscle movements
    3%
  • Arthritis
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
  • Gum swelling
    2%
  • Excessive bleeding
    2%
  • Hernia
    2%
  • Muscle weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Eating foods rich in tyramine, like soy sauce, fermented cheese and smoked meats
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
    • dextromethorphan
    • pseudoephedrine
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Movement problems
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Changes in blood pressure and falls
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Azilect (rasagiline)
Learn more about Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)