Compare carbidopa / levodopa extended release vs. carbidopa / levodopa

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

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Treats Parkinson's disease.

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

Treats Parkinson's disease.

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

Upsides
  • Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) is released over a long period of time in your body and can allow you to take fewer pills less frequently.
  • 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
  • Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) can make you very sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how your body reacts to it.
  • Your saliva, sweat and urine may have dark color and stain your clothing while taking Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release).
  • Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) will lose its effect over time. If you notice it wearing off sooner than you'd like, talk to your doctor.
  • Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) may cause unusual cravings 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
  • Extended release
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$23.38
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Lowest price
$112.19
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Reviews
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Side effects
15possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    17%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Hallucinations
    4%
  • Confusion
    4%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Depression
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Headache
    2%
  • Unusual dreams
    2%
  • Muscle spasms
    2%
  • Vomiting
    2%
  • Upper respiratory infection
    2%
  • Shortness of breath
    2%
  • Periods of immobility
    2%
  • Back pain
    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
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) 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
  • 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 Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release)
Learn more about Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)