The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of varenicline and prazosin on smoking,
drinking, and sleep among cigarette smokers who report heavy alcohol use. Varenicline is an
FDA approved smoking cessation medication. Some smokers report sleep problems when taking
varenicline. This study will test whether using prazosin, which is an FDA-approved blood
pressure medication, in combination with varenicline reduces sleep problems that can be
associated with using varenicline for smoking cessation. In addition, the study will examine
the combined effects of these medications on smoking and drinking.
Hypothesis: Varenicline plus prazosin will result in lower rates of vivid dreams and insomnia
symptoms/sleep discontinuity than varenicline alone prior to the 3-day practice quit attempt.
Hypothesis: Varenicline plus prazosin will result in lower rates of vivid dreams and insomnia
symptoms/sleep discontinuity than varenicline alone during the 3-day practice quit attempt.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Yale University
Collaborator:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)