Investigating the effects of propranolol and nicotine patches on smoking cues

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 examines how a beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, and a nicotine patch affect responses to smoking cues in daily smokers. Participants will receive either the medications or placebos and undergo neuroimaging to assess brain activity and behavioral responses. The goal is to understand if combining these treatments can reduce the urge to smoke when exposed to smoking-related cues. Participants will attend four sessions involving questionnaires, monitoring, and MRI scans.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Generally healthy
2. Age 21-60
3. Right-handed using a three-item scale
4. Daily smoker of ≥ 5 cigarettes/day delivering 0.5 mg nicotine (FTC)
5. Smoking regularly for ≥ 1 year, with stable smoking for the past 6 months
6. Afternoon expired Carbon Monoxide (CO) concentration ≥ 6 ppm and/or morning urinary cotinine \>100 ng/ml
7. Must identity at least 4 different smoking locations used in a typical week
8. Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to attend all required sessions
2. Significant health problems that would preclude active participation
3. Presence of conditions that would make MRI unsafe (e.g. pacemaker) or (e.g. weight and body shape)
4. Current use of psychoactive medications/drugs as indicated by self-report or urine screen
5. Positive breath alcohol concentration
6. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study (females)
7. Problems with vision that cannot be corrected with contacts or glasses
8. Current regular use of smokeless tobacco, smoking cessation medications, or other nicotine containing products (e.g. electronic cigarettes)
9. Current use of beta-adrenergic medications (e.g. beta-blockers) or other blood pressure medications
10. Systolic blood pressure \< 90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \< 60 mmHg (sitting or standing)
11. Abnormal EKG
12. Presence of severe anemia
13. Presence of electrolyte imbalance that could impact blood pressure
14. Presence of any other contraindications for propranolol or nicotine patch (e.g. cardiovascular disease, bronchial asthma, prior allergic reactions, diabetes)

Where it's running

• Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience
  Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jason A Oliver, PhD — University of Oklahoma
• Study coordinator: Jason A Oliver, PhD
• Email: Jason-Oliver@ouhsc.edu
• Phone: 405-271-8001

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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.