An FDA-approved Alzheimer’s disease drug has been found to help smokers quit smoking. The study consisted of a rat and human trial where the researchers explored the effects of two acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, or AChEIs, and nicotine intake. In the rat model, the researchers found that pretreating the rats with AChEIs reduced nicotine consumption, and the findings remained the same for the human trial where those who received AChEIs smoked less, compared to those on the placebo.
Researcher Heath Schmidt said, “We’re very interested in screening potential efficacy of anti-addiction medications in our models. For this study, we looked at potential smoking-cessation medications.”
Advertisement
Smokers trying to quit describe a decrease in their executive functions, leaving them feeling fuzzy or forgetful. This prompted researchers to explore AChEIs as an alternative to smoking, as it helps with cognitive function and short-term learning.
Schmidt also performed such tests with cocaine addiction and found AChEIs to be successful. For the current study, the rats were divided into two groups – those who received galantamine and those who received donepezil. The rats administered nicotine with a push button at will to simulate human consumption. Once nicotine stabilized, the rats were given AChEIs.
Both groups reduced their intake of nicotine, but the researchers wanted to confirm whether it was due to the drugs or because the rats felt sick. Schmidt explained, “At the doses shown to reduce nicotine self-administration, the AChEIs did not make our animals sick.”
Co-researcher Rebecca Ashare added, “Our goal in investigating these different repurposed medications is not to replace the medications that are already available. We know that they’re effective. Our goal is to target different populations of smokers who may be more likely to experience these cognitive deficits.”
Although AChEIs are not currently available for smoking cessation, Schmidt and Ashare are working towards a future alternative for quitting smoking.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-02/uop-pra021816.php
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
