40 Participants Needed

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Smoking Addiction

VM
Overseen ByVictor M Tang, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 4
Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Prior Safety DataThis treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help people quit smoking using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. The study compares the effectiveness of rTMS with standard treatments like nicotine patches and counseling. It seeks to determine how well rTMS works and whether it can be easily integrated into regular healthcare settings. Individuals who smoke daily, have a psychiatric condition such as depression or anxiety, and are ready to quit smoking within the next 30 days might be suitable for this trial. As a Phase 4 trial, this research focuses on understanding how this FDA-approved and effective treatment can benefit more patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot use nicotine replacement therapy during the study and must stop using e-cigarettes or vaping devices with nicotine.

What is the safety track record for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is generally safe for helping people quit smoking. In studies, headaches were the most common side effect. Importantly, no seizures occurred, addressing a key safety concern. This indicates that most people can tolerate TMS well.

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a type of TMS for treating tobacco use disorder. This approval underscores the safety of TMS, as the FDA requires proof of safety before granting approval.

Overall, while TMS might cause mild side effects like headaches, it has proven to be a safe option for those looking to quit smoking.12345

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

Unlike the standard treatments for smoking addiction, which typically involve nicotine replacement therapies and counseling, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a unique approach. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with addiction and cravings, potentially reducing the urge to smoke. Researchers are excited about TMS because it targets the brain directly, which may lead to more effective and faster relief from addiction compared to traditional methods. Plus, as a non-invasive procedure, TMS could be a safer alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to use medications.

What evidence suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation might be an effective treatment for smoking addiction?

Research shows that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which participants in this trial may receive, can help people quit smoking. Studies have found that rTMS significantly lowers the number of cigarettes smoked each day. For instance, one analysis found that people who received active rTMS smoked about 6.7 fewer cigarettes daily. Other research indicates that rTMS reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit. The FDA has approved a special type of TMS device for treating tobacco addiction, highlighting it as a promising option for those looking to stop smoking.23467

Who Is on the Research Team?

VM

Victor M Tang, MD

Principal Investigator

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-70 who smoke daily, want to quit within the next month, and are considering rTMS or nicotine replacement as treatment. They must be able to consent and have a psychiatric disorder like depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia or another substance use disorder.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand and agree to the study's procedures and risks.
I smoke cigarettes daily.
I have been diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either rTMS treatment or Treatment as Usual (TAU) for smoking cessation

6 weeks
18 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for smoking cessation rates and safety after treatment

4 weeks
2 visits (in-person)

Long-term Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term smoking cessation rates

up to 2 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Trial Overview

The study tests if brain stimulation with Brainsway H4 deep rTMS coil is more effective than usual treatments for smoking cessation in patients with mental illness. It also explores how feasible and acceptable this new method is in clinical care settings.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Treatment as UsualActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials
388
Recruited
84,200+

Citations

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tobacco ...

We investigated whether 5 sessions of rTMS can be safely and efficaciously used for smoking cessation in cancer patients.

Effectiveness and safety of repeated transcranial magnetic ...

The meta-analysis showed that, comparing with the control group, active rTMS significantly decreased the average daily number of cigarettes smoked (MD = −6.72, ...

a pilot study by diffusion spectrum imaging

Results: After 10 times of rTMS, the FTND, MNWS and VAS scores significantly decreased, when compared to baseline, and withdrawal symptoms were partially ...

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces smoking ...

Several studies have shown that rTMS of the DLPFC can effectively reduce smoking cravings,19,51-53 which was confirmed by the decreases in the FTND and TQSU ...

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) to Induce ...

Amiaz and collegues found that 10 days of high-frequency rTMS over the DLPFC reduced cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence. In addition, the rTMS ...

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Smoking ...

Safety outcomes were consistent with prior TMS smoking cessation trials, with no reported seizures and headache as the most common adverse event ...

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Long-Term Smoking ...

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a novel treatment for smoking cessation and delay discounting rate is novel therapeutic target.