Compare Mirapex vs. carbidopa

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

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Mirapex (pramipexole)

Prescription only

Lodosyn (carbidopa)

Prescription only
Helps with movement problems.

Mirapex (pramipexole) is effective for Parkinson's disease or restless legs syndrome, but can cause extreme drowsiness that affects daily living.

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.

Upsides
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) may be better for older people with Parkinson's since it causes fewer movement and mental changes than its alternatives.
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) comes in extended-release form to help reduce side effects and ease administration.
  • Available as a generic so it will be cheaper than similar brand medications.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Mirapex (pramipexole) can be used by itself, but is usually used in combination with other medications to treat Parkinson's.
  • Not the best choice if you have kidney problems.
  • You cannot suddenly stop taking Mirapex (pramipexole) if you have been taking it for a long time.
  • Your doctor may need to change the dose of Lodosyn (carbidopa) frequently before finding the right dose.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$150.81
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Lowest price
$3897.27
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Reviews
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Side effects
36possible side effects
  • Postural hypotension
    53%
  • Muscle rigidity
    47%
  • Extrapyramidal syndrome
    28%
  • Insomnia
    27%
  • Dizziness
    26%
  • Hallucinations
    17%
  • Accidental injury
    17%
  • Dream abnormalities
    11%
  • Confusion
    10%
  • Muscle weakness
    10%
  • Constipation
    10%
  • Sleepiness
    9%
  • Muscle problems
    8%
  • Gait abnormalities
    7%
  • Muscle tenseness
    7%
  • Dry mouth
    7%
  • Memory loss
    6%
  • Urinary frequency
    6%
  • General swelling
    4%
  • Urinary tract infection
    4%
  • Shortness of breath
    4%
  • Accomodation abnormalities
    4%
  • Restlessness
    3%
  • Thinking abnormalities
    3%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Malaise
    3%
  • Runny nose
    3%
  • Vision abnormalities
    3%
  • Arthritis
    3%
  • Paranoid reaction
    2%
  • Urinary incontinence
    2%
  • Lung infection
    2%
  • Twitching
    2%
  • Swelling of joints
    2%
  • Peripheral swelling
    2%
  • Skin disorders
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Lodosyn (carbidopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Impulse control problems
  • Problems with concentration
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you sleepy
    • Sleep disorders
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking blood pressure medicines
  • Kidney problems
    • Kidney problems
  • Skin cancer
    • Parkinson's disease
  • Hallucinations and behavior changes
    • Age 65 years or older
    • History of psychosis
    • Advanced Parkinson's disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Take with levodopa
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Mirapex (pramipexole)
Learn more about Lodosyn (carbidopa)