Primary Projects: Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine: Effects on Smoking Behavior
Project Leaders: Margaret Rukstalis, M.D. & Caryn Lerman, Ph.D.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This project investigates whether atomoxetine, a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of ADHD, reduces neurocognitive deficits secondary to nicotine abstinence. Based on our previous research showing that increases in inattention and hyperactivity following a quit attempt increase relapse risk, we hypothesize that atomoxetine will reduce these symptoms, and therefore, may be an efficacious novel smoking cessation treatment. This hypothesis will be tested in a within-subject cross-over double-blind behavioral pharmacology laboratory study. Fifty smokers will participate in 3 experimental sessions that include laboratory-based assessments of attention, response inhibition, craving, and smoking behavior. The first of these will take place at baseline when participants are smoking as usual. The next two sessions will take place after 14 hours (overnight) abstinence and a 1-week drug run up phase with either atomoxetine or placebo. The order of study medications will be counterbalanced, and there will be a one-week drug wash out period in between medication phases. All participants will be genotyped for genes involved in the target neurotransmitter pathways. The ultimate goal of this project is to determine whether atomoxetine reduces neurocognitive deficits during nicotine abstinence. If the results are positive, atomoxetine will be tested in a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS:
Gould, T. J., Rukstalis, M., & Lewis, M. C. (2005). Atomoxetine and nicotine enhance prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in C57BL/6 mice. Neurosci Lett, 377(2), 85-90.
Davis, J. A., & Gould, T. J. (2005). Atomoxetine reverses nicotine withdrawal-induced impairments in contextual fear conditioning. Society for Neuroscience Abstracts, 651(11).
Rukstalis, M., Jepson, C., Patterson, F., & Lerman, C. (2005). Increases in hyperactive-impulsive symptoms predict relapse among smokers in nicotine replacement therapy. J Subst Abuse Treat, 28(4), 297-304.