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Related Experiment Videos

Naltrexone attenuates acute cigarette smoking behavior.

Alyssa M Epstein1, Andrea C King

  • 1Illinois Institute of Technology, Institute of Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|January 16, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, reduced smoking behavior and carbon monoxide levels in chronic smokers. However, it increased side effects and negative affect, with women reporting more adverse reactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Addiction Medicine
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death.
  • Opioid pathways are implicated in nicotine dependence.
  • Pharmacological interventions targeting these pathways may aid smoking cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, in modulating cigarette smoking behavior.
  • To assess the impact of naltrexone on subjective measures of craving, withdrawal, and affect.
  • To examine potential sex differences in response to naltrexone during smoking.

Main Methods:

  • A within-subjects, placebo-controlled laboratory study involving 44 chronic smokers.
  • Participants received either 50-mg oral naltrexone or placebo after overnight abstinence.

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  • Smoking behavior (number of cigarettes smoked) and physiological measures (expired carbon monoxide) were assessed, alongside subjective ratings of craving, withdrawal, and affect.

    • Main Results:

    • Naltrexone significantly reduced the number of choice cigarettes smoked and expired carbon monoxide levels.
    • Naltrexone increased reported side effects, particularly sedation, and elevated negative affect while decreasing positive affect.
    • No significant effect of naltrexone on acute withdrawal or smoking urges was observed; women reported higher withdrawal and side effects.

    Conclusions:

    • Naltrexone demonstrates potential in attenuating smoking behavior, likely through opioid antagonism.
    • The observed increase in side effects and negative affect warrants consideration in clinical application.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and optimize naltrexone's role in smoking cessation strategies.