This open-label study will evaluate hydroxyzine, a first-generation antihistamine, combined with varenicline, to help smokers abstain from smoking during a 12-week trial period by diminishing the nausea, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances associated with the use of varenicline and with nicotine withdrawal.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
FDA approved starter kit of varenicline (0.5 mg nightly for days 1-3, then 0.5 mg twice daily for days 4-7) followed by FDA-approved dose of varenicline (1 mg twice daily) for the remaining 11 weeks
For the first week, participants will receive 50 mg nightly for the first 3 days, then twice daily, 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night for the remaining 12 weeks.
Rose Research Center
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Rose Research Center
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Change in 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Following Smoking Cessation (While Taking Arenicline and Hydroxyzine).
Stress levels in the last 30 days will be measured using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The PSS-10 uses a 5-point scale (0 - never, 1 = almost never, 2 = once in a while, 3 = often, 4 = very often). Total scores range from 0 to 40. * Scores ranging from 0-13 would be considered low stress. * Scores ranging from 14-26 would be considered moderate stress. * Scores ranging from 27-40 would be considered high perceived stress.
Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12
Changes in Anxiety Using the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)
Trait and state anxiety levels will be monitored for changes using the 6-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). All items are rated on a 4-point scale ("1-Almost Never" to "4-Almost Always"). The range of scores is from 6 to 24. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety.
Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12
Changes in Depression Using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Depression will be monitored for changes using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 uses a 4-point scale (Not at all = 0; Several days = 1;More than half the days = 2; Nearly every day = 3). The sum of the scores is calculated (Score range is 0 to 27): * 1-4 Minimal depression * 5-9 Mild depression * 10-14 Moderate depression * 15-19 Moderately severe depression * 20-27 Severe depression
Time frame: Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12
Effects of Varenicline on Self-reported Smoking Reduction Prior to the Quit Date
Previous research has shown that abstinence at the end of treatment is strongly predicted by the extent to which smokers spontaneously reduce ad libitum smoking in the initial weeks of pharmacotherapy that is initiated before the quit-smoking date. This measure will assess the extent of smoking reduction in participants during the initial seven days of treatment (prior to their planned quit date) - assessed via a self-report number of cigarettes per day. Data is recorded as a mean change.
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Time frame: 7 Days
Effects of Varenicline on Self-reported Smoking Reduction Prior to the Quit Date
Previous research has shown that abstinence at the end of treatment is strongly predicted by the extent to which smokers spontaneously reduce ad libitum smoking in the initial weeks of pharmacotherapy that is initiated before the quit-smoking date. This measure will assess the extent of smoking reduction in participants during the initial seven days of treatment (prior to their planned quit date) - assessed via expired air carbon monoxide (CO). Data is recorded as a mean change.
Time frame: 7 Days