I asked both Chat GPT and Grok the same question and got two very similar replies: How do drugs like levadopa get from the stomach to the part of the brain affected by Parkinson’s? How long does it take?
Chat GPT:
Levodopa, the primary medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, is absorbed in the small intestine after being taken orally. Once absorbed, it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the brain where it is converted into dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson’s patients. The time it takes for levodopa to reach the brain and start working can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, the presence of food in the stomach, and other medications being taken concurrently. Generally, it can take around 30 minutes to 1 hour for levodopa to start having an effect, with peak levels reached within 1-2 hours after ingestion
GROK:
Drugs like levodopa, the primary medication for Parkinson’s disease, are administered orally and absorbed in the small intestine. Once absorbed, levodopa is transported to the brain via the bloodstream. The drug then crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the affected areas of the brain, such as the substantia nigra, where it is converted into dopamine to help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms.
The time it takes for levodopa to reach the brain and exert its effects can vary depending on factors such as individual absorption rates, food intake, and the presence of other medications. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour for levodopa to be absorbed and reach peak levels in the bloodstream. However, the onset of symptom relief may vary from person to person.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of levodopa can be influenced by various factors, such as the progression of the disease, the presence of other medications, and individual patient characteristics.