Compare carbidopa vs. Rytary

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

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Lodosyn (carbidopa)

Prescription only

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease when given with levodopa.

Lodosyn (carbidopa) enhances the effect of levodopa. It cannot relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease when taken by itself.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can be used to treat Parkinson's disease, but it can be expensive.

Upsides
  • Extra doses of Lodosyn (carbidopa) allows you to get more out of levodopa, especially in later stages of the disease.
  • It is available in a combination pill with levodopa once you find the right dose that works for you.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) comes in 4 different strengths.
  • If you have private prescription insurance, there are programs to make Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) more affordable.
Downsides
  • Your doctor may need to change the dose of Lodosyn (carbidopa) frequently before finding the right dose.
  • There are other forms of Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) that are generic and much cheaper.
  • Your doctor might have to change the dose of Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) often before they find a dose that works for you.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can cause uncontrollable movements to happen, but this doesn't happen for 3 to 5 years.
  • Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is not a cure for Parkinson's disease; it can only slow the disease down.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
Price
Lowest price
$8473.96
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Lowest price
$18.50
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Lodosyn (carbidopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
11possible side effects
  • Nausea
    20%
  • Headache
    17%
  • Dizziness
    12%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Trouble sleeping
    6%
  • Abnormal dreams
    5%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    5%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    5%
  • Constipation
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Take with levodopa
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Heart attack
    • History of heart attack
    • High risk for heart attack
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lodosyn (carbidopa)
Learn more about Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)