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.
This study requires five afternoon visits lasting approximately 45-60 minutes over seven weeks. You will take Zyban capsules and apply a skin patch containing clonidine for two weeks before you quit, and continue for four weeks after you quit. At each session, 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 measure carbon monoxide levels in your breath. We will also take saliva samples and measure heart rate and blood pressure. If you remain a non-smoker after six months, we will ask you to return to the laboratory for a brief visit.