Comparing withdrawal effects of vaping and smoking in people with schizophrenia

A Laboratory Study of Behavior and Performance Among People Who Vape Nicotine and/or Smoke Cigarettes - Schizophrenia Supplement

NA · State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT06944847

This study is testing the withdrawal symptoms in people with schizophrenia who vape compared to those who smoke cigarettes to see how they differ.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorState University of New York at Buffalo (other)
Locations1 site (Buffalo, New York)
Trial IDNCT06944847 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to characterize the withdrawal symptoms experienced by individuals with schizophrenia who vape daily compared to those who smoke combustible cigarettes. By focusing on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), the study seeks to fill critical gaps in understanding nicotine dependence and withdrawal in this population. The methodology includes a systematic assessment of withdrawal symptoms during a 24-hour abstinence period, providing insights that could inform vaping cessation interventions tailored for people with schizophrenia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with schizophrenia who have been vaping or smoking daily for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients who intend to quit vaping or smoking within the next month or have severe substance dependence other than tobacco may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cessation strategies for individuals with schizophrenia who struggle with nicotine dependence.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on ENDS withdrawal in schizophrenia, studies on nicotine dependence in general have shown promising results in understanding withdrawal and cessation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 6+ months of daily/near-daily nicotine vaping or cigarette smoking
* 200+ ng/mL cotinine on a commercially-available quick screen
* stable antipsychotic medication dose (no changes in past 6 months).

Current Exclusion Criteria:

* intention to quit daily/near-daily vaping/smoking in the next month
* current (2+ days out of the past 7) use of pipe tobacco, hookah/shisha, smokeless tobacco, dissolvable tobacco, nicotine pouches. For vaping group only, current (2+ days out of past 7) use of cigars, cigarillos, or filtered cigars that are filled with tobacco or a mix of tobacco and marijuana
* current use of any smoking cessation medication
* current severe substance dependence other than tobacco/nicotine (including cannabis; NIDA Modified ASSIST of 27+)
* current (past 2 weeks) suicidal ideation with intent and/or plan
* pregnancy (intake urine screen)
* florid psychosis or severe cognitive symptoms (score of ≥5 on PANSS items delusions (P1), hallucinatory behavior (P3), or unusual thought content (G9), conceptual disorganization (P2), abstract thinking (N5), or poor attention (G11) or a score ≥6 on grandiosity (P5) or suspiciousness (P6)

Where this trial is running

Buffalo, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Acute Abstinence From Cigarettes vs E-cigarettes

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.