Human Laboratory Study of Varenicline and Bupropion for Nicotine Dependence

The objective of this proposal is to elucidate effects of bupropion SR + varenicline on smoking-cessation related processes in early abstinence using a human laboratory model. A within-subjects design will be used to assess the additive effects of bupropion and varenicline in 48 treatment seeking smokers [bupropion SR (300 mg/day)+placebo, varenicline (2 mg/day+placebo, and bupropion SR (300 mg/day)+varenicline (2 mg/day)]. Outcomes include withdrawal and craving, cognition, stress tolerance, anxiety, the reinforcing effects of smoking, and smoking topography.

Hypotheses: We hypothesize that greatest treatment effects will be observed in the bupropion SR+varenicline group followed by varenicline+placebo and bupropion SR+placebo groups.