When depression affects your daily life, finding the right treatment becomes a priority. While antidepressant medications have been the standard approach for decades, many people struggle with side effects, limited effectiveness, or simply want to explore alternatives. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy has emerged as a powerful option for those seeking relief from depression. Understanding the differences between these two treatments can help you make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Antidepressant medications work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain—chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine that influence mood. Several classes of antidepressants exist, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and others, each working slightly differently to help manage depression symptoms.
For many people, medications can be effective. They’re widely available, covered by most insurance plans, and can be prescribed by primary care physicians or psychiatrists. The treatment process is straightforward: you take a pill daily and wait several weeks to see if it helps.
However, the reality of antidepressant treatment is more complex than simply taking a pill. Finding the right medication often involves trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another, and it can take months of trying different medications and dosages before finding something that helps. During this time, depression symptoms persist, affecting your quality of life, relationships, and ability to function at work or school.
One of the most significant drawbacks of antidepressant medications is the potential for side effects. These can range from mild to severe and may include:
For some people, these side effects are manageable or decrease over time. For others, they become unbearable or interfere with daily activities. Sexual dysfunction, in particular, affects upwards of 40% of people taking antidepressants and can strain relationships. Weight gain can impact self-esteem and physical health. Fatigue can make it harder to work, exercise, or engage in activities you enjoy.
Additionally, discontinuing antidepressants can be challenging. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping medication, even when tapering slowly under medical supervision. These symptoms can include dizziness, flu-like feelings, insomnia, and increased anxiety or depression.
TMS therapy takes a completely different approach to treating depression. Instead of circulating medication throughout your entire body, TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. The treatment is non-invasive, requiring no medication or anesthesia.
During a TMS session, you sit comfortably in a chair while a treatment coil is positioned against your head. The magnetic pulses—similar in strength to those used in an MRI machine—stimulate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that often shows reduced activity in people with depression. Over a series of treatments, typically administered five times per week for six weeks, TMS helps normalize brain activity and improve mood.
The FDA cleared TMS therapy in 2008 after clinical trials demonstrated its safety and effectiveness. Since then, hundreds of thousands of treatments have been performed worldwide, helping people find relief from depression without the systemic side effects associated with medication.
TMS offers several significant advantages over medication:
Minimal Side Effects: Because TMS is non-systemic—it doesn’t circulate through your bloodstream—it avoids the common side effects of antidepressants. The most frequently reported side effect is mild scalp discomfort during treatment sessions, which typically decreases after the first week. There’s no weight gain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, or nausea associated with TMS.
No Ongoing Daily Regimen: Unlike medications that require daily pills and the stress of remembering to take them, TMS therapy is administered in a clinical setting. Once your treatment course is complete, many people experience lasting relief without ongoing daily interventions. Some people may need maintenance sessions, but these are far less frequent than daily medication.
Effective for Medication-Resistant Depression: Clinical trials have shown that TMS is particularly effective for people who haven’t found relief with antidepressants. About 75% of TMS patients see at least a 50% improvement in depression symptoms, with many experiencing complete remission.
Safe and Well-Tolerated: TMS has been studied extensively and has an excellent safety profile. It doesn’t affect memory or cognitive function, unlike some other treatments for depression. You can drive yourself to and from appointments and return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Long-Lasting Results: Research shows that many people who respond to TMS therapy maintain their improvement for months or even years after treatment. In clinical trials, two out of three patients who responded to treatment or achieved remission remained at that level 12 months later.
While TMS offers many benefits, it’s important to consider all factors:
Time Commitment: TMS requires coming to a clinic five times per week for approximately six weeks. Each session takes about 20 minutes. At Advantage TMS, we’re open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, making it easier to fit appointments into your schedule.
Insurance Coverage: While many insurance plans now cover TMS therapy, coverage requirements vary. Typically, insurance companies require that you’ve tried medication first. At Advantage TMS, we accept Tricare, Champ VA, Medicare, all Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including Florida Blue, United, Aetna, Cigna, and basically all other commercial insurance plans.
Not for Everyone: TMS may not be suitable for people with certain metal implants in or near the head, such as aneurysm clips or cochlear implants. Your doctor will review your medical history to determine if TMS is appropriate for you.
Choosing between TMS and medication isn’t necessarily an either-or decision. Some people benefit from combining both treatments. Others find that TMS alone provides the relief they need, allowing them to reduce or eliminate medication under their doctor’s supervision.
The best approach depends on your individual situation, including:
At Advantage TMS, we combine TMS therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle support to provide comprehensive care. Our team, led by board-certified psychiatrists and a licensed clinical social worker, works with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
If you’re struggling with depression and haven’t found relief with medication, or if you’re concerned about medication side effects, TMS therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Our professional, supportive team has helped hundreds of people over the past nine years find lasting relief from depression.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how TMS therapy can help you reclaim your life. We’re here to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your mental health.
Higgins, A., Nash, M., & Lynch, A. M. (2010). Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment. Drug, healthcare and patient safety, 2, 141–150. https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S7634
Our office is closed December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Years Day. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
