Effects of haloperidol pretreatment on the smoking-induced EEG/mood activation response profile

This study examined the role of dopamine in modulating the CNS response to cigarette smoking. In a randomized, double-blind, repeated-measures design, quantitative electroencephalographic (EEG) changes and self-reports induce d by the smoking of a single cigarette were assessed in 16 smokers followin g pretreatment with placebo and a dopamine antagonist, haloperidol (2 mg). Following placebo pretreatment, absolute (muV) and relative (%) amplitudes in slow-frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha (1)) were reduced and absolute and relative amplitudes in fast-frequency bands (alpha (2), beta) were inc reased following cigarette smoking as compared to sham smoking. Haloperidol pretreatment inhibited the smoking-induced increase in absolute a frequenc y. Self-ratings indicated that cigarette smoking induced increases in alert ness, contentedness and calmness but not euphoria, and reduced cigarette cr avings as compared to the sham smoking conditions. Smoking-induced, alpha ( 2) increments were associated with increases in alertness and decreases in euphoria while beta increments were associated with increased calmness. Smo king-related self-ratings of mood and cigarette acceptability were not alte red by haloperidol, but subjects were less content overall in the haloperid ol condition as compared to placebo. Discussion of these results focuses on transmitter systems and their relationship to neuro-electric and behaviour al activities associated with the smoking habit. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karg er AG. Basel.