title: Evaluation of the effects of rivastigmine on cigarette smoking by methamphetamine-dependent volunteers.
abstract: Compared to smokers alone, smokers with co-morbid substance use disorders are at greater risk of suffering from smoking-related death. Despite this, relatively few studies have examined smoking cessation treatments for those with stimulant dependence. In the current study, we sought to evaluate the effects produced by short-term exposure to the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine (0, 3 or 6 mg) on cigarette smoking in non-treatment-seeking, methamphetamine-dependent volunteers. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study that took place over 9 days. The data indicate that rivastigmine treatment did not alter Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence scores, carbon monoxide readings, or cigarettes smoked per day, but a trend toward reduced urges to smoke (p<0.09) was detected during treatment with rivastigmine 3mg. These data, while preliminary, indicate that cholinesterase inhibitors warrant consideration as treatments for nicotine dependence, including use in stimulant-dependent individuals who exhibit significantly higher rates of smoking than the general population.
authors.affiliation: Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA. rg12@bcm.edu
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De la Garza
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yoon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008875:Middle Aged; D048448:Phenylcarbamates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068836:Rivastigmine; D012907:Smoking / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D008694:Methamphetamine; D000068836:Rivastigmine