You will be asked to return to the laboratory for seven sessions held in the afternoon over eight weeks. During these sessions, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your smoking and your mood, perform computer tasks measuring mental performance and reaction speed, and breath through a machine that measures the carbon monoxide levels in your breath. We will also take saliva samples and measure heart rate and blood pressure. The study coordinator will provide you with further details when you complete the first portion of the study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nicotine patch and a nicotine-blocking drug called mecamylamine to help people quit smoking.
All participants receive at least six weeks of nicotine patch and medication treatment.
Each morning visit last approximately two hours, and the afternoon visits last approximately 30 minutes. During these sessions, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your smoking and your mood, perform computer tasks measuring mental performance and reaction speed, and breathe through a machine that measures the carbon monoxide levels in your breath. We will also take saliva samples and measure heart rate and blood pressure. There is no charge for participation, and you will receive self-help materials in addition to medication. Some studies suggest clonidine reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms.