Compare Eldepryl vs. Rytary

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

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Eldepryl (selegiline)

Prescription only

Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease.

Used with other medicines for Parkinson's disease to boost its effect.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

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

Upsides
  • There are two different versions of Eldepryl (selegiline), a quick dissolving tablet and a regular tablet.
  • Eldepryl (selegiline) is one of the recommended medicines you can take along with carbidopa/levodopa if your Parkinson's disease is getting worse.
  • 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
  • You may have to limit the amount of cheese, smoked meat, and soy sauce you eat while taking Eldepryl (selegiline) since it can raise your blood pressure.
  • Can keep you up at night if you take it later in the day
  • Doesn't work by itself to treat Parkinson's disease.
  • 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
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Extended release capsule
Price
Lowest price
$2602.99
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Lowest price
$9.00
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Reviews
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Side effects
11possible side effects
  • Skin irritation at the patch
    24%
  • Headache
    18%
  • Insomnia
    12%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Dry mouth
    8%
  • Weight loss of at least 5%
    5%
  • Indigestion
    4%
  • Rash
    4%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Weight gain of at least 5%
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Eating foods rich in tyramine, like soy sauce, fermented cheese and smoked meats
    • Taking cough and cold medicines like dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Increased risk of skin cancer
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • Low blood pressure
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 Eldepryl (selegiline)
Learn more about Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)