Compare Mirapex vs. carbidopa / levodopa extended release
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Sinemet CR (carbidopa / levodopa extended release) is the first choice treatment for Parkinson's disease.
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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Used for
- Parkinson's disease
- Restless legs syndrome
- Bipolar depression
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$83.24
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$23.33
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Side effects
36possible side effects
- Postural hypotension53%
- Muscle rigidity47%
- Extrapyramidal syndrome28%
- Insomnia27%
- Dizziness26%
- Hallucinations17%
- Accidental injury17%
- Dream abnormalities11%
- Confusion10%
- Muscle weakness10%
- Constipation10%
- Sleepiness9%
- Muscle problems8%
- Gait abnormalities7%
- Muscle tenseness7%
- Dry mouth7%
- Memory loss6%
- Urinary frequency6%
- General swelling4%
- Urinary tract infection4%
- Shortness of breath4%
- Accomodation abnormalities4%
- Restlessness3%
- Thinking abnormalities3%
- Chest pain3%
- Malaise3%
- Runny nose3%
- Vision abnormalities3%
- Arthritis3%
- Paranoid reaction2%
- Urinary incontinence2%
- Lung infection2%
- Twitching2%
- Swelling of joints2%
- Peripheral swelling2%
- Skin disorders2%
15possible side effects
- Difficulty controlling movements17%
- Nausea6%
- Hallucinations4%
- Confusion4%
- Dizziness3%
- Depression2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
- Headache2%
- Unusual dreams2%
- Muscle spasms2%
- Vomiting2%
- Upper respiratory infection2%
- Shortness of breath2%
- Periods of immobility2%
- Back pain2%
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
- 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