Rytary
(carbidopa / levodopa)
Treats Parkinson's disease.
Our bottom line
Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can be used to treat Parkinson's disease, but it can be expensive.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) comes in 4 different strengths.
- If you have private prescription insurance, there are programs to make Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) more affordable.
What to expect from Rytary, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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.
What to expect from Rytary, on one page
Download Fact SheetRytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa enters the brain and relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa prevents levodopa from being broken down before it can enter the brain.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Extended release capsule
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) for Parkinson's disease
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty controlling impulses
- Nausea
- Sleeping suddenly during the day
Side effect rates for Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
- Nausea20%20%9%9%
- Headache17%17%11%11%
- Dizziness12%12%5%5%
- Dry mouth7%7%1%1%
- Trouble sleeping6%6%3%3%
- Abnormal dreams5%5%
- Difficulty controlling movements5%5%
- Anxiety5%5%
- Vomiting5%5%3%3%
- Changes in blood pressure5%5%1%1%
- Constipation2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Rytary.
People taking Rytary felt side effect more
People taking Rytary felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can make you sleepy or fall asleep suddenly without warning. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) affects you. You're more at risk if you're taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.
Common concerns from people taking Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) can make you sleepy or fall asleep suddenly without warning. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) affects you. You're more at risk if you're taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you.