The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of naltrexone, alone and combined with
nicotine patch, on responses of smokers to smoking cues after 10 hours of tobacco
deprivation. Smokers who are not seeking treatment will be assigned to one of six conditions:
They will receive either 50 mg of naltrexone or a placebo pill, and also will wear a nicotine
patch that has 0, 21, or 42 mg of nicotine during the tobacco deprivation period. Both the
day before the medication and deprivation and at the end of 10 hours of deprivation all will
be exposed to lit cigarette cues in the laboratory. Effects of the medications will be
assessed on withdrawal measures, urge to smoke, psychophysiological measures, and the
topography of smoking three test cigarettes. Studies such as these can help to identify
potential interventions for tobacco cessation or withdrawal, and thereby could result in less
suffering and mortality.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
US Department of Veterans Affairs VA Office of Research and Development