Testing Methylphenidate for Smoking Abstinence
SmokingCigarette smoking continues to be a major public health problem. Tobacco dependence interventions, as recommended by the USPHS Clinical Practice Guideline are not effective for all smokers. A need exists for new medications to treat various aspects of tobacco dependence, such as the reinforcing effects of nicotine, relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms and prevention of early relapse. The neurobiology of the effect of methylphenidate is similar to that of the reinforcing effects of nicotine. In a small previous study, methylphenidate was reported to improve nicotine withdrawal symptoms and short term quit rates. Methylphenidate is well tolerated, has low abuse potential, and is less expensive compared to other tobacco dependence interventions. ConcertaTM, a long acting preparation of methylphenidate, is administered once a day, has similar bioavailability as the generic drug administered 3 times a day and has an overall similar or improved efficacy compared to generic methylphenidate. We plan to obtain preliminary efficacy data in a randomized, placebo-controlled phase II study assessing the effect of methylphenidate in cigarette smokers for increasing 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at end of treatment and 7-day point prevalence and prolonged smoking abstinence at 6-months. Critical and systematic evaluations of newer, innovative, and well-tolerated treatments to help treat tobacco use and dependence will provide a wider choice of therapeutic agents to smokers wishing to become abstinent from tobacco use.
Treating Tobacco Dependence in Adolescents With Co-occurring Psychiatric Disorders
Tobacco Use CessationTobacco Use DisorderThis research aims to identify efficacious strategies for treating tobacco dependence among adolescent smokers with co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Adolescent smoking remains a significant public health issue with 23% of high school students reporting smoking a cigarette in the past month1. Smoking rates are two to four times higher among adolescents with psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit disorders, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and illicit drug dependencies2-4. Empirical investigations of adolescent tobacco treatment interventions number less than 50 with many of the studies criticized for methodological problems (i.e., follow up < 6 months, poor retention, lack of control or comparison groups)2,5, 6. There have been no unequivocal successes; however, promising interventions include stage-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and multicomponent treatments2, 7. Additionally, the nicotine patch is well tolerated and safe among adolescents8 and rarely abused9. Less than a third of adolescent tobacco users report intention to quit in the near future2, 10, 11; thus, it seems critical that cessation interventions for this complex group be designed to assist smokers at all stages of readiness through the quitting process. A stepped care approach has the potential of matching more intensive services to those ready for and in need of greater treatment. Interventions delivered in health care settings have the appeal of broad reach. The primary specific aims of this research are to evaluate, in a randomized clinical trial (N=160), the efficacy of a stepped care intervention for treating smoking among adolescents recruited from outpatient psychiatry settings. To our knowledge, this would be the first study to examine outpatient psychiatry settings for treating tobacco dependence in adolescents. The stepped care intervention combines expert-system contacts, individual CBT sessions, and 12-weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Chantix & Bupropion for Smoking Cessation
SmokingTobacco Use DisorderThe overarching goal of this line of research is to increase smoking abstinence rates using a combination of existing pharmacotherapies. The aim of the current study is to assess the safety and compliance as well as obtain preliminary estimates of efficacy and effect on craving and nicotine withdrawal of combination therapy with bupropion SR and varenicline. We will compare the efficacy estimates in this study with historical smoking abstinence rates with varenicline. To accomplish our aims, we will enroll 38 cigarette smokers in an open-label, phase II clinical trial.
Tobacco Use in Opioid Agonist Treated Pregnant Women
Nicotine DependenceThe primary objective of the proposed study is to evaluate the efficacy of tobacco abstinence-contingent voucher incentives versus non-tobacco abstinence-contingent incentives for reducing or eliminating tobacco use during pregnancy in methadone treated women. In addition, the impact that this intervention has in reducing the incidence and severity of methadone associated neonatal abstinence syndrome will also be examined.
Maintaining Nonsmoking: Older Smokers - 1
Tobacco Use DisorderThe purpose of this study was to examine pharmacological and psychological interventions for smokers over 50.
Extended Cessation Treatment for Teen Smokers
Nicotine DependenceThis study is designed to test the efficacy of an extended smoking cessation program for teen smokers. We hypothesize that teen smokers randomized to extended treatment will have a higher abstinence rate at 52 week follow-up than teen smokers receiving only open label treatment.
Prolonged Smoking Cessation Using Prescription Step Care
Tobacco DependenceSmoking is the number one preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in this nation. Unfortunately, more than 50% of those who quit following a smoking cessation intervention typically relapse within two weeks, with approximately 80% relapsing within six months. Therefore, tobacco use can be conceptualized as a chronic condition. As with many chronic medical problems, tobacco use interventions may benefit from a step care approach to treatment. A total of 400 adult smokers will be enrolled in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions consisting of: 1) A State of the Art Smoking Cessation Intervention + Recycling or: 2) A State of the Art Smoking Cessation Intervention + Step Care. Long term smoking cessation will be assessed by self-report, exhaled carbon monoxide levels, and salivary cotinine. The primary endpoint of the study will be smoking abstinence rates at two-year follow-up. It is predicted that long-term cessation rates will be significantly higher in the step care condition than for those assigned to the recycling group.
Combination Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation Among Methadone Patients
Tobacco Use DisorderThe purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effects of combined pharmacotherapy (Zyban/NRT)/behavioral treatment on smoking cessation among methadone maintenance therapy patients.
Smoking Treatment in HIV Clinical Care Settings
Nicotine DependenceThe study is designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy and cost effectiveness of 3 smoking cessation treatments with HIV-positive cigarette smokers. The treatments include face-to-face individual counseling, a computer-Internet-based self-help treatment and a self-help manual treatment.
Contingent Incentives Plus Bupropion for Smoking in People With Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia and Disorders With Psychotic FeaturesTobacco Use DisorderThere is a high prevalence of smoking among people with schizophrenia, and there are few smoking treatment programs for these smokers. The aims of this study are to investigate the separate and combined effects of bupropion and a voucher incentive program on smoking in people with schizophrenia.