Effects of Low Nicotine Cigarettes on Chronic Pain and Cravings

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how switching from normal nicotine content cigarettes to very low nicotine content cigarettes affects cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and pain levels in individuals with chronic pain who smoke daily and are undergoing buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. Participants will be monitored for changes in their pain and smoking behaviors over the course of the intervention. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of reducing nicotine intake for managing chronic pain.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 21+ years who smoke cigarettes daily
* Chronic non-cancer musculoskeletal pain secondary to structural changes (e.g., low back pain, osteoarthritis)
* Have received stable office-based buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder for at least 30 days
* Self-report smoking at least 10 cigarettes/day
* Expired breath carbon monoxide (CO) level \>8 ppm
* Have a smartphone capable of running software for ecological momentary assessment
* Open to exploring the possibility of quitting smoking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pain specifically due to cancer
* Other significant health problems
* Major surgery within the past 6 months or planned surgery within the timeframe of the study
* Current disability litigation
* Use of electronic cigarettes or other non-cigarette tobacco products \> 9 of the past 30 days
* Current use of nicotine replacement therapy or other cessation treatment
* Current daily or near-daily cannabis use
* History of psychotic disorder
* Acute suicidality or current unstable psychiatric disorder
* Positive pregnancy test
* Actively seeking smoking cessation treatment

Where it's running

• North Pavilion
  Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Maggie Sweitzer, PhD — Duke University
• Study coordinator: Clinical Research Coordinator
• Email: ta141@duke.edu
• Phone: 919-907-9955

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.