Suvorexant to reduce symptoms of nicotine use: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

The purpose of this study is to see how well a drug called suvorexant works at treating symptoms related to cigarette smoking. This medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping). Based on previous research, we believe that this medication may relieve some of the negative effects that nicotine can have on the body.

Eligible participants must be cigarette smokers between 18 and 65 years old. Potential participants will be asked to complete a baseline screening to determine their eligibility for the study. For each participant, the study will take one week and involve two visits to the research clinic: one visit at the beginning of the study and another visit one week later. These visits will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For both study visits, participants must arrive at the research clinic abstinent from smoking since the previous night; however, during the rest of the week, participants may smoke. Every night during the week, participants will take a pill once per day at bedtime. Some participants will be taking the study medication, while others will be taking a placebo pill. Participants will also wear a wristband throughout the week that measures their sleep and activity levels.