Methylphenidate increases choice of cigarettes over money

Abstract

Introduction: Stimulants increase cigarette smoking in the naturalistic environment and laboratory. The effects of methylphenidate on a 9-trial, discrete cigarette versus money ($0.25) choice task were tested to elucidate the mechanisms underlying stimulant-induced increases in smoking.

Methods: Eleven participants who reported smoking 10-20 cigarettes/day completed the study. Four doses of methylphenidate (0, 10, 20, and 40 mg) were administered across 5 experimental sessions, with placebo administered twice. One hour following medication administration and at 30-min intervals thereafter, participants chose between smoking a cigarette and receiving US$0.25. The primary behavioral outcome measure was number of cigarette choices.

Results: Methylphenidate increased the number of cigarette choices over money. Puffs per session and carbon monoxide levels increased significantly and caloric intake decreased significantly following methylphenidate administration relative to placebo.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that methylphenidate increases the relative reinforcing efficacy of cigarette smoking. Stimulant use may thus be an important consideration for individuals attempting to quit smoking.

Figure 1.

Dose effects of methylphenidate for number of cigarettes chosen (top left panel), number of puffs per session (top right panel), peak CO (bottom left panel), and number of food items consumed (bottom right panel). x-Axis: dose in milligrams. Data points above PL designate averaged values from the placebo sessions. Unidirectional brackets indicate 1 SEM. Filled symbols indicate values that are significantly different from placebo.