TMS for Nicotine Addiction

Overseen By Nicole Lalta

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Must not be taking: Central nervous system

Disqualifiers: Neurological disorder, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

36 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new method to help people addicted to nicotine using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Researchers aim to identify the optimal brain target for TMS to reduce cravings and improve decision-making in smokers. The study includes active TMS sessions (10-Hz TMS to the DLPFC) and a sham session for comparison. Individuals addicted to nicotine, in stable health, and without addiction treatment in the past 30 days may qualify for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to new treatments for nicotine addiction.

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 excludes those on uninterruptable central nervous system medication. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

What prior data suggests that these targeting techniques are safe for nicotine addiction?

Research has shown that using a 10-Hz magnetic pulse on the front part of the brain is generally safe for people trying to quit smoking. Studies have found that headaches are the most common side effect, but they are usually mild. Importantly, no seizures were reported in these studies, indicating good safety. Overall, participants in similar studies have tolerated the treatment well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using 10-Hz Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for nicotine addiction because it offers a novel approach compared to existing treatments like nicotine replacement therapies and medications such as varenicline. Unlike these methods, TMS targets the brain's dorsolateral prefrontal cortex directly, potentially altering brain circuits associated with addiction. This non-invasive technique could reduce cravings and dependence without the side effects commonly associated with current pharmacological options. By offering a new mechanism of action, TMS holds promise as an innovative treatment pathway for those struggling with nicotine addiction.

What evidence suggests that this TMS protocol is effective for nicotine addiction?

Research shows that a treatment called 10-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help reduce cravings and addiction to nicotine. This trial will compare the effects of active 10-Hz TMS to the DLPFC with Sham TMS. In one study, participants who received 10 sessions of rTMS experienced a significant decrease in withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Another study found that the 10-Hz frequency was more effective at reducing smoking and nicotine dependence than other frequencies. Additionally, rTMS has shown promise as an additional treatment to help people quit smoking by lowering their dependence on nicotine. While results can vary, these findings suggest that rTMS may be helpful for those who want to quit smoking. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Travis E Lalta, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rutgers University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-55 with nicotine addiction who are in good mental and physical health, can follow the study plan, and haven't had substance abuse treatment recently. Pregnant women or those with brain lesions, metal implants affecting MRI scans, or certain neurological conditions cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Nicotine dependent individuals (according to the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test nicotine dependence score)

Not received substance abuse treatment within the previous 30 days

No evidence of focal or diffuse brain lesion on MRI

Exclusion Criteria

I have a history of brain-related autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorders.

I have never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, dementia, or major depression.

Contraindication to MRI (e.g., presence of metal in the skull, orbits or intracranial cavity, claustrophobia)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Session A

Participants undergo MRI scanning and receive structural, fMRI, DWI, and resting-state FC scans

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Sessions B and C

Participants receive rTMS at different prefrontal targets and complete T-maze and PST tasks

2 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• 10-Hz TMS to the DLPFC
• Sham TMS-DLPFC

Trial Overview The study tests whether a type of brain stimulation called 10-Hz TMS aimed at the DLPFC affects reward activity in smokers. It's a controlled experiment comparing real TMS to sham (fake) treatment over three sessions to see if it helps decision-making and reduces cravings.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Active TMS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the active condition will receive repetitive TMS (rTMS), delivered at 110% of participants' resting motor threshold at 10 Hz continuously over the predefined prefrontal target for a total of 1000 pulses. Within each of the two TMS sessions, two targets will be stimulated.

Group II: Sham TMS Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Identical parameters will be applied to the SHAM group with the exception that the TMS coil will be flipped 180º to mimic auditory stimulation.

10-Hz TMS to the DLPFC is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

Approved in United States as rTMS for:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Approved in European Union as rTMS for:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Approved in Canada as rTMS for:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Lead Sponsor

Trials

471

Recruited

81,700+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 42 nicotine-dependent smokers, 10 daily sessions of MRI-guided rTMS to the left dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduced cigarette consumption and craving, with participants smoking fewer cigarettes per day during treatment and at a one-month follow-up.

Participants receiving active rTMS were more likely to achieve smoking cessation by their target quit date (23.81% vs. 0% in the sham group), indicating that rTMS can be an effective intervention for reducing smoking behavior.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Two weeks of image-guided left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves smoking cessation: A double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Li, X., Hartwell, KJ., Henderson, S., et al.[2021]

A pilot study involving 24 participants with severe nicotine dependence showed that 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left frontal pole significantly reduced craving responses to both smoking-related and neutral cues, indicating its potential efficacy in treating tobacco use disorder.

The study found a correlation between improved verbal memory recall and reduced reactivity to neutral cues, suggesting that rTMS may influence craving experiences through its effects on memory systems.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Left frontal pole repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces cigarette cue-reactivity in correlation with verbal memory performance. Marques, RC., Marques, D., Vieira, L., et al.[2022]

Excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex significantly reduces craving for substances in patients with dependence, with a strong effect size (Hedges' g = -0.62) based on a meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials involving 748 participants.

In addition to reducing cravings, rTMS also effectively decreases substance consumption, particularly when using excitatory stimulation protocols, indicating its potential as a therapeutic intervention for substance dependence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on craving and substance consumption in patients with substance dependence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Zhang, JJQ., Fong, KNK., Ouyang, RG., et al.[2020]

A pilot study involving 11 tobacco-dependent smokers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) significantly reduced cravings for tobacco compared to a placebo, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention.

Given that traditional smoking cessation methods have low success rates (around 30% abstinence after 12 months), rTMS may offer a promising alternative to help increase tobacco abstinence rates in smokers looking to quit.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Transcranial magnetic stimulation for nicotine dependence]. Johann, M., Wiegand, R., Kharraz, A., et al.[2014]

A single session of high-frequency rTMS (10 Hz) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduced cigarette craving in 16 nicotine-dependent participants, demonstrating its potential efficacy as a noninvasive treatment.

The reduction in craving was notably greater with real rTMS compared to sham treatment, suggesting that rTMS may be a promising tool for aiding smoking cessation efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduces nicotine cue craving. Li, X., Hartwell, KJ., Owens, M., et al.[2022]

High-frequency repetitive TMS (hf rTMS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduces nicotine craving in smokers who have abstained for 6 hours, indicating its potential as a smoking cessation treatment.

The study found that hf rTMS also led to a decrease in EEG delta power, which is associated with the brain's reward system, suggesting that the craving reduction may be linked to changes in dopaminergic activity, although the craving and delta power changes did not directly correlate.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex decreases cue-induced nicotine craving and EEG delta power. Pripfl, J., Tomova, L., Riecansky, I., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 13 smokers with schizophrenia and 14 non-psychiatric controls, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) did not significantly reduce tobacco craving or improve cognitive function after a short-term treatment period.

Despite the lack of efficacy in modifying craving and cognitive outcomes, the study found that rTMS was safe, with no significant adverse events reported, suggesting that further long-term studies are needed to explore its potential benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of short-term, high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on smoking behavior and cognition in patients with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric controls. Kozak, K., Sharif-Razi, M., Morozova, M., et al.[2021]

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been explored in 19 studies involving 316 adults for its potential to reduce drug cravings and use, particularly targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with high-frequency pulses.

While some studies showed promising results, such as decreased smoking and cocaine use, the treatment is still experimental, and the exact mechanisms and optimal parameters for rTMS in addiction treatment remain unclear.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of substance addiction. Gorelick, DA., Zangen, A., George, MS.[2022]

A multicenter double-blind RCT involving 262 chronic smokers showed that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) significantly increased the continuous quit rate (CQR) to 19.4% compared to 8.7% for the sham treatment, indicating its efficacy in promoting smoking cessation.

This study established a safe treatment protocol for rTMS, which has now received FDA clearance as an aid for smoking cessation, marking a significant advancement in addiction medicine.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for smoking cessation: a pivotal multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial. Zangen, A., Moshe, H., Martinez, D., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 48 chronic smokers, ten daily sessions of high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly reduced cigarette consumption and nicotine dependence.

The rTMS treatment also effectively blocked cravings triggered by smoking-related cues, although the benefits appeared to decrease over time after the treatment ended.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Repeated high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex reduces cigarette craving and consumption. Amiaz, R., Levy, D., Vainiger, D., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12576856/

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces nicotine ... After 10 times of rTMS, the FTND, MNWS and VAS scores significantly decreased, when compared to baseline, and withdrawal symptoms were partially alleviated.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163834325001070

Effectiveness and safety of repeated transcranial magnetic ... 10 Hz had a better effect on the three outcomes than 0 Hz. When the treatment was ≥20 sessions, it was more helpful to quit smoking, reduce smoking and nicotine ...

3. mecp.springeropen.com mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-025-00558-2

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for ... Conclusion. rTMS shows promising potential as an adjunctive treatment for smoking cessation by reducing nicotine dependence (to some extent) and ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9293555/

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Tobacco ... We found that 5 sessions of 10 Hz rTMS over the LDLPFC had a modest impact on cigarette smoking (CPD) and cue-induced craving (QSU-B) in cancer patients who ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492725001325

a regional homogeneity study based on resting-state fMRI This study provides evidence that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may alleviate nicotine addiction by modulating local ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8607981/

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 ...

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07050862

NCT07050862 | rTMS for Tobacco Use in Veterans DThe first group will receive 10 Hz DTMS (standard TMS) with a protocol of 3 seconds on, 15 seconds off, and a total of 1800 pulses/session, lasting 18 minutes, ...

8. mecp.springeropen.com mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-025-00503-3

Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic ... This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of active r-TMS in reducing smoking behavior, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and nicotine dependence

9. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/7/2/fcaf101/8052715

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces smoking ... This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of rTMS in smoking cessation and to explore the underlying neural mechanism of the treatment effect.