Rivastigmine reduces tobacco craving in alcohol-dependent smokers.

INTRODUCTION

Although alcohol-dependent smokers represent an important group for applying smoking interventions, a sufficient pharmacotherapy has not been established in this high-risk group so far.

METHODS

In order to examine the effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine on tobacco dependence, we performed a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. 26 alcohol-dependent smokers were randomized to rivastigmine 6 mg/day (n=14) or placebo (n=12). Assessments on addictive behavior included carbon monoxide (CO), severity of tobacco dependence (FTND), daily smoked cigarettes (diaries), and craving for tobacco (QSU) and alcohol (AUQ).

RESULTS

ANOVA revealed a significant treatment-by-time interaction for tobacco consumption and tobacco craving (each p<0.0001). The rivastigmine group showed a decrease in daily smoked cigarettes (-30%), in exhaled carbon monoxide (-32%) and in tobacco craving (-18%) whereas controls did not show significant changes. ANCOVA revealed rivastigmine effects to be more prominent in smokers suffering from more severe tobacco dependence. None of the patients developed an alcohol relapse or an increase in alcohol craving.

DISCUSSION: Our preliminary data indicate an effect of rivastigmine on tobacco craving and consumption. This pilot study encourages further investigation of acetylcholinesterase-inhibitors as a promising treatment approach regarding tobacco dependence.