The purpose of this study is to look at brain function and attempt to predict which study drug or combination (nicotine patches, Chantix alone, or Chantix paired with Zyban) will be successful in helping individual smokers quit smoking.

Study Requirements

This 13-week study consists of:

• One physical screen
• One functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) training session
• Two fMRI scanning sessions
• Seven study sessions

You may also be asked to come in for a follow-up session six months after your quit day.

Physical screen

The physical exam will take approximately two to two-and-a-half hours and includes a drug screen. If you test positive for illegal drugs, you will not be eligible to participate.

If the physical screen confirms you are a good match for this study, we will ask you to come in for your fMRI training session as soon as possible.

fMRI training session

During the training session you will be familiarized with all aspects of the fMRI sessions, including tasks and equipment.

The fMRI training session will last approximately one hour.

fMRI scanning sessions

The baseline fMRI scanning session will occur as soon as possible after your fMRI training session.

The two fMRI scanning sessions will take approximately one-and-a-half hours each.

Study sessions

The first study session will occur about one week after your baseline fMRI session. During the first study session, you will be randomly assigned (like drawing numbers from a hat) to one of four groups that will determine the study drugs you will use for two weeks before your quit day.

Each of the seven study sessions will last approximately 30 minutes.

Compensation

If you complete all sessions and study requirements, you will be compensated up to $460. You will receive a check in the mail after you complete study participation. Please allow four to six weeks for your payment to be processed.

Subjects who qualify for, and come back in for, a follow-up session six months after their quit day, will receive an additional $50 check in the mail. Payment for the follow-up session will be sent in a separate check four to six weeks after the session.

For more information, call 888-525-DUKE (888-525-3853) or e-mail smoking@duke.edu.