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A pharmacological analysis of stimulant-induced increases in smoking

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Abstract

Rationale

Stimulants increase tobacco smoking in healthy adults under controlled laboratory conditions. The mechanisms that mediate stimulant-induced increases in smoking are not known.

Objective

The purpose of the present experiment was to characterize the pharmacological specificity of stimulant-induced increases in smoking. We tested the effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on smoking behavior. Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine transport inhibitor that does not increase dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens or striatum. If stimulant-induced increases in smoking result from an additive or synergistic effect of these drugs and nicotine on dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens or striatum, methylphenidate but not atomoxetine should increase smoking.

Materials and methods

Doses of methylphenidate (10, 20, and 40 mg) and atomoxetine (20, 40, and 80 mg) were tested once while placebo was tested twice in 12 cigarette smokers. One hour after ingesting drug, participants smoked ad libitum for 4 h. Measures of smoking included total cigarettes, total puffs, and carbon monoxide levels. Snacks and decaffeinated drinks were available ad libitum, and food intake was calculated.

Results

Methylphenidate but not atomoxetine dose-dependently increased the number of cigarettes, puffs, and carbon monoxide levels. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine decreased food intake.

Conclusions

The results of this experiment are consistent with the notion that stimulant-induced increases in smoking may result from an additive or synergistic effect of these drugs and nicotine on dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens or striatum. Additional research is needed to more fully understand the pharmacological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between stimulant use and smoking.

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Abbreviations

ADHD:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

THC:

Tetrahydrocannibinol

DVD:

Digital-video display

CO:

Carbon monoxide

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Frances P. Wagner, R.N. for her expert nursing assistance, Michelle Gray, B.A., John Blackburn, B.S., Derek Roe, B.A., and Karolyn Hays for their technical assistance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Grants DA 012665 and DA 010325 (CRR) as well as National Institute of Health National Research Service Award NIDA DA 07304 (Thomas F. Garrity) supported this research. The data for this experiment were gathered as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky (Vansickel).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Andrea R. Vansickel, William W. Stoops & Craig R. Rush

  2. Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Paul E. A. Glaser & Craig R. Rush

  3. Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Andrea R. Vansickel & Craig R. Rush

  4. Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA

    Paul E. A. Glaser

Authors
  1. Andrea R. Vansickel
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  2. William W. Stoops
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  3. Paul E. A. Glaser
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  4. Craig R. Rush
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Craig R. Rush.

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Vansickel, A.R., Stoops, W.W., Glaser, P.E.A. et al. A pharmacological analysis of stimulant-induced increases in smoking. Psychopharmacology 193, 305–313 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-0786-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-0786-z

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