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Effects of naltrexone with nicotine replacement on smoking cue reactivity: preliminary results
K E Hutchison1, P M Monti, D J Rohsenow
1University of Colorado, Department of Psychology, Boulder 80309-0345, USA. Kenth@psych.colorado.edu
Abstract:
Although several studies have examined the effects of opioid antagonists on smoking behavior, there have been no reports of the potentially therapeutic combination of naltrexone and nicotine replacement therapy. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether naltrexone reduced reactivity to smoking cues among abstinent smokers treated with nicotine replacement. Twenty participants were instructed to abstain from smoking cigarettes for 9 h while using nicotine replacement therapy. Participants were subsequently treated with either naltrexone (50 mg) or placebo before being exposed to smoking cues. Results indicated that the smokers who received the placebo responded to smoking cue exposure with increases in urge to smoke and increases in negative affect. Participants who received naltrexone did not show any increase in urge or negative affect and showed a decrease in withdrawal symptoms after exposure to smoking cues. Although preliminary, the findings suggest that naltrexone may work in combination with nicotine replacement therapies to block the effects of smoking stimuli in abstinent smokers.
Insights
Naltrexone combined with nicotine replacement therapy may reduce smoking urges and negative feelings. This combination shows promise in blocking smoking cues for abstinent smokers.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid antagonists like naltrexone have been studied for smoking cessation.
- The combination of naltrexone with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if naltrexone reduces reactivity to smoking cues in smokers using NRT.
- To evaluate the combined therapeutic potential of naltrexone and NRT.
Main Methods:
- Twenty abstinent smokers used NRT for 9 hours.
- Participants received either naltrexone (50 mg) or a placebo.
- Exposure to smoking cues followed treatment.
Main Results:
- Placebo group showed increased urge to smoke and negative affect after cue exposure.
- Naltrexone group reported no increase in urge or negative affect.
- Naltrexone group experienced a decrease in withdrawal symptoms post-cue exposure.
Conclusions:
- Naltrexone may effectively block the effects of smoking stimuli when combined with NRT.
- Preliminary findings suggest a potential synergistic effect for smoking cessation support.