Study of Propranolol and Nicotine Patch Effects on Brain and Behavior in Adult Smokers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of a beta-adrenergic antagonist Propranolol 40 mg immediate release and a nicotine patch 14 mg on brain and behavior responses to smoking cues in people who currently smoke cigarettes. This study aims to understand how these medications, given alone and together, influence the urge to smoke when exposed to smoking-related triggers. It is a basic experimental study where participants will not be attempting to quit smoking or taking the medications long-term. Participants will attend four neuroimaging sessions lasting about 5 hours each. During these visits, they will receive either an active or placebo nicotine patch and an active or placebo dose of propranolol. After being given a standard meal, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored while participants complete questionnaires and undergo MRI scans. During the MRI, they will view images related to smoking and non-smoking objects to assess brain activity. Throughout the study, participants craving levels, brain activation patterns, and connectivity between brain regions in response to smoking cues will be measured. Researchers will monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and collect questionnaire data during visits. The study will last up to about four imaging sessions, with safety and adherence checked during each visit. The goal is to better understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms behind smoking urges triggered by environmental cues.

Beta-Adrenergic Modulation of Drug Cue Reactivity