Minocycline and Tobacco Craving in Smokers With Schizophrenia

Craving for cigarettes is an important aspect that leads to challenges with smoking cessation. Persons with schizophrenia are more likely to smoke and to be heavier smokers than persons without schizophrenia, and may experience craving differently as well. Minocycline is an antibiotic medication that may impact craving. We will conduct a two-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group pilot study to investigate the effects of minocycline vs. placebo on craving and smoking behaviors in smokers with schizophrenia. Participants will take minocycline or matching placebo for two weeks. Participants will be assessed on aspects of craving and smoking behavior at baseline and after 1 and 2 weeks of minocycline or placebo treatment.