Study of Lunesta Versus Placebo for Sleep Problems Related to Smoking Cessation and Zyban

A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial of Eszopiclone for the Treatment of Bupropion- and Abstinence-Related Insomnia During Smoking Cessation

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of eszopiclone at treating sleep problems related to withdrawal from nicotine in healthy smokers attempting smoking cessation.

Sleep disturbances are a significant problem for smokers who are trying to quit smoking. Smokers may be more likely to have sleep problems and both nicotine withdrawal and agents used to aid smoking cessation (e.g., pharmacotherapies) may disrupt sleep. Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat insomnia. Eszopiclone's efficacy for treating insomnia makes it a promising agent for treating nicotine withdrawal-related symptoms of sleep disturbance.

This study will be 7 weeks duration. All participants will begin taking Zyban at the beginning of week 1 and will be asked to try to quit smoking at the beginning of week 2. Participants will also begin to take Lunesta or matched placebo (3 mg qd x 6 weeks) on the target quit date at the beginning of week 2. All subjects will receive eight (8) weekly sessions of brief individual supportive smoking cessation counseling.

Hypothesis:

It is hypothesized that significantly fewer sleep problems will be reported by participants taking Lunesta as compared to placebo. Specifically, it is expected that participants taking Lunesta will report less difficulty falling and staying asleep, higher sleep quality, and less insomnia-related fatigue and distress than participants taking placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Are between ages 18-65 years old.
• Meet DSM-IV criteria for nicotine dependence.
• Smoke at least 15 cigarettes (3/4 pack) daily (averaged over 1 week, in the past 1 month) and have an expired breath CO level > 10.
• At the time of initial evaluation, are motivated to quit smoking in the next 30 days.
• Receive a score of ≥ 10 on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)
• Have the capacity to give informed consent, and are English-speaking.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Are taking an over-the-counter or prescription medications that are known to affect sleep.
• Are taking medications contraindicated for use with eszopiclone or bupropion including: Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Nefazodone, Troleandomycin, Ritonavir, Nelfinavir, Trazodone, and Methadone.
• Are using any over-the-counter analgesics that contain caffeine.
• Have serious medical disorders that may make participation in the trial unsafe.
• Are physiologically dependent on and/or abusing alcohol or other drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine, opiates, benzodiazepines, etc.) in the past 6 months prior to randomization into the trial.
• Consume greater than 1 alcoholic beverage per day or greater than 7 alcoholic drinks per week.
• Meet DSM-IV criteria for a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, or a current or past history bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anorexia or bulimia nervosa. Have a past history of major depression, with historical evidence of suicidal or homicidal behavior, or psychotic symptoms.
• Have the presence of suicidal or homicidal ideation, or significant impairment of social or occupational functioning, either at study baseline during the evaluation process, or during participation in the trial.
• Are from the same household as another study participant.
• A history of seizures of any etiology.
• A history of hypersensitivity to bupropion or Lunesta (eszopiclone).