A pharmacological analysis of stimulant-induced increases in smoking.
BACKGROUND
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.


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.
Vansickel
Andrea R
AR
Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
Stoops
William W
WW
Glaser
Paul E A
PE
Rush
Craig R
CR
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011437:Propylamines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012907:Smoking; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride