Brain scans reveal how common drugs may dull smoking urges

NCT ID NCT05587361

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Oklahoma Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how the drug propranolol and nicotine patches, alone or together, change brain activity and cravings when smokers see smoking-related cues. Eighty daily smokers will undergo brain scans while viewing these cues. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind smoking urges, not to help participants quit.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Propranolol and nicotine patch
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how these medications change brain activity related to smoking urges, potentially guiding future treatments for nicotine dependence.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage experimental study with only 80 participants, not designed to test a treatment. Results may not translate to real-world smoking cessation.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Cigarette Smoking nicotine dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CIGARETTE SMOKING NICOTINE DEPENDENCE TOBACCO USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience
RECRUITING

Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, United States

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