Brain scans reveal how common drugs may dull smoking urges

NCT ID NCT05587361

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience

    RECRUITING

    Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74136, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••