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Although it's seldom mentioned in PD literature, many patients notice a quick boost in mood, energy, or relief of wearing-off symptoms such as dystonia, immediately on taking the next scheduled dose of levodopa (Sinemet). I've wondered about this because conventional wisdom says that oral levodopa must first pass to the small intestine before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream for transport to the brain, and the whole trip from mouth to brain must take at least 15 minutes or so. So I did a little experiment and found, if the Sinemet is allowed to dissolve on the tongue (essentially tasteless) before washing down with a glass of water, the effect is felt within 15 seconds or less, rather than a quarter-hour. The quick response is specially welcome against early-morning dystonia, which I understand is very common. I'm not aware of any science that says Sinemet can be absorbed through the mouth or tongue, but it seems to work. Has anybody else observed this phenomenon? Cheers, Joe -- J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694 3527 Cody Road Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-5013