Comparing withdrawal effects of vaping and smoking in people with schizophrenia
Official title: A Laboratory Study of Behavior and Performance Among People Who Vape Nicotine and/or Smoke Cigarettes - Schizophrenia Supplement
Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT06944847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | State University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06944847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with schizophrenia who have been vaping or smoking daily for at least six months.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Larry Hawk, PhD — University at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Larry Hawk, PhD
- Email: lhawk@buffalo.edu
- Phone: 716-645-0192
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Comparing withdrawal symptoms between vapers and smokers
This study is trying to see how withdrawal symptoms differ between people who vape and those who smoke cigarettes to better understand nicotine dependence.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.