Vaping and Smoking for Schizophrenia
(VASP-S Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it requires that your antipsychotic medication dose has been stable for at least 6 months.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment for smoking cessation in individuals with schizophrenia?
Research shows that many people with schizophrenia want to quit smoking, and treatments like nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion, combined with behavioral support, are effective and well-tolerated. These treatments help reduce smoking and improve the chances of quitting, even though the overall success rate is lower compared to the general population.12345
Is vaping and smoking safe for people with schizophrenia?
Research shows that smoking is common among people with schizophrenia, and while quitting is challenging, smoking cessation aids are generally safe and well-tolerated. Electronic cigarettes are also being studied for their safety and effectiveness in this group, but more large-scale trials are needed to confirm their safety.12456
How does the treatment of acute abstinence differ for schizophrenia?
The treatment of acute (24-hour) abstinence for schizophrenia is unique because it focuses on short-term smoking cessation, which can help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and potentially reduce medication side effects. This approach is different from standard long-term smoking cessation strategies, which often involve pharmacotherapy and behavioral treatments over several weeks.12478
What is the purpose of this trial?
The proposed research will characterize withdrawal among people with schizophrenia who vape daily compared to people with schizophrenia who smoke combustible cigarettes daily, filling critical gaps in the understanding of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) dependence and contributing to the development of vaping cessation interventions amongst people with schizophrenia, the leading preventable cause of death in the US.
Research Team
Larry Hawk, PhD
Principal Investigator
University at Buffalo
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with schizophrenia who vape daily or smoke combustible cigarettes daily. It aims to understand nicotine dependence and develop vaping cessation interventions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessments including various psychological and physiological measures
Withdrawal Characterization
Systematic and comprehensive characterization of withdrawal symptoms in participants who vape or smoke
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any changes in withdrawal symptoms and overall health
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Acute (24-hour) abstinence
- Ad libitum smoking/vaping
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
State University of New York at Buffalo
Lead Sponsor
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Collaborator
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator