Treatment for Nicotine Addiction in Women

Primary outcomes

1. Withdrawal Symptoms (MNWS Score)

   Time frame: Baseline (ad libitum baseline and pill day 1 (pre-pill)); Abstinent Period (pill days 6, 7, 8)

   The MNWS was the 8 item version, using VAS scales for each item (1-100), and MNWS score calculated as an average of all items (range of possible scores for MWNS at each timepoint was 0-100, with higher MNWS scores at each timepoint indicating more withdrawal symptoms (worse outcome). Timepoints reflect 1.) the baseline (beginning of the trial, not yet receiving any pills, not yet being asked to abstain from smoking; calculated as average of scores from two visits: ad libitum baseline visit and pill day 1 measure which was collected prior to administration of pills) and 2.) the abstinence period (tolcapone or placebo pill days 6-8, during the 60-hr abstinence phase; calculated as average of scores from 3 visits: pill days 6, 7, and 8). Greater increases in scores (increases in withdrawal symptoms) during abstinence period compared to baseline reflects a worse outcome; reduced or stable scores (decreases or a lack of increases in withdrawal symptoms) during the abstinence period compa

2. Smoking Urges (BQSU Factor 1)

   Time frame: Baseline (ad libitum baseline and pill day 1 (pre-pill)); Abstinent Period (pill days 6, 7, 8)

   The Brief Questionnaire on Smoking Urges (BQSU) is a 10 item scale. Factor 1 reflects the urge to smoke for its rewarding properties. Factor 1 is calculated as the sum of five items (items 1, 3, 6, 7, 10), with each item score ranging from 1-7, so Factor 1 scores range from 5-35. Higher scores reflect higher smoking urges and represent a worse outcome. Timepoints reflect 1.) baseline (beginning of trial, not yet receiving pills, not yet abstaining from smoking; calculated as average of scores from ad libitum baseline visit and pill day 1 which was collected prior to administration of pills) and 2.) abstinence period (pill days 6-8, during 60-hr abstinence phase; calculated as average of scores from pill days 6, 7, and 8). Greater increases in scores (increases in smoking urges) during abstinence period compared to baseline reflects a worse outcome; decreases or a lack of increases in smoking urges during the abstinence period compared to baseline reflects a better outcome.

3. Smoking Choice Paradigm: Amount Earned ($)

   Time frame: Pill-Day 8 (end of trial)

   The Smoking Choice Paradigm was done once at the end of the trial (Pill Day 8, at the end of the 60 hr abstinence period). Subjects are given forced choice options between 2 puffs of their own-brand cigarette vs. a token with a monetary value, spaced over a 90 minute period. The maximum amount subjects can earn from this task ranges from $0 to $7.50 (10 forced choice opportunities: smoke 2 puffs vs. earn 75 cent at each choice opportunity). Higher earnings reflect choice of the tokens over smoking, so this reflects a better outcome (i.e., reduced smoking choice).