The Role of Serotonin Modulators in Nicotine Reward and Reinforcement: A Conditioned Place Preference Investigation

Using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, we administered both drugs in a context in which their rewarding properties could be measured. Fluoxetine produced a significant but less robust CPP than nicotine. A single injection of fluoxetine was found to reduce nicotine-induced CPP. Moreover, the rewarding properties of nicotine were completely abolished in response to repeated fluoxetine injections. Long-term fluoxetine users may benefit more from the drug than those who have only used it occasionally or in small doses, according to the study.