If you’re considering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy for depression, you might be wondering, “Can TMS make you tired?” Understanding the potential side effects of any medical treatment is an important part of making an informed decision about your mental health care.
The short answer is that while TMS therapy itself doesn’t typically cause significant tiredness, some patients may experience mild fatigue as their brain adjusts to treatment. Let’s explore what you can expect from TMS therapy, why some people feel tired, and how to manage any fatigue that might occur.
TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. In people with depression, the nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex are often sluggish or underactive. The electromagnetic fields produced during TMS therapy create small electrical currents in the brain that wake up these nerve cells. Over the course of treatment—typically sessions lasting 19-37 minutes, five times per week for about six weeks—TMS therapy can help normalize brain chemistry and improve mood.
Unlike medications that circulate throughout your entire body, TMS therapy is targeted and non-invasive. This means it doesn’t have the systemic side effects commonly associated with antidepressant medications, such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or sedation.
Clinical trials involving over 10,000 TMS therapy sessions have established a clear safety profile for this treatment. The most frequently reported side effects are scalp discomfort or headache during or immediately after treatment sessions. These effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to decrease after the first week of treatment.
Fatigue is not typically listed among the primary side effects of TMS therapy. However, some patients do report feeling tired during their treatment course. This tiredness is usually temporary and manageable.
If you experience tiredness during TMS therapy, several factors might explain why:
Your brain is undergoing significant changes during TMS therapy. As neural networks that have been inactive or sluggish begin to function more normally, your brain is essentially relearning healthy patterns. This neurological adjustment requires energy, and it’s not uncommon for people to feel somewhat fatigued as their brain heals and adapts.
Think of it like physical therapy for your brain. Just as your muscles might feel tired after exercising muscles that haven’t been used in a while, your brain might need rest as it processes these positive changes.
Depression often disrupts sleep patterns. Many people with depression experience insomnia, early morning awakening, or excessive sleeping. As TMS therapy begins to work and your depression symptoms improve, your sleep patterns may start to normalize.
During this transition period, you might notice changes in how you feel throughout the day. If you’ve been running on adrenaline or poor sleep for months or years, finally getting more restorative sleep can initially make you feel more tired as your body catches up on much-needed rest.
As TMS therapy helps lift the fog of depression, you may find yourself processing emotions and thoughts more actively than you have in a long time. This emotional work, while healthy and productive, can be mentally taxing. The combination of TMS therapy and the cognitive behavioral therapy often recommended alongside it means you’re actively engaging in your recovery, which requires mental energy.
While each TMS session only lasts 19-37 minutes, committing to daily treatments five times per week requires time and planning. The routine of traveling to appointments, even though you can drive yourself to and from treatment, can contribute to feeling tired—especially if you’re balancing treatment with work, family, and other responsibilities.
If you do experience fatigue during your TMS therapy, there are several strategies that can help:
Give yourself permission to rest when you need it. Your brain is doing important work, and adequate sleep supports the healing process. Aim for consistent sleep and wake times to help regulate your body’s natural rhythms.
Proper nutrition and hydration support brain function and overall energy levels. Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help combat fatigue.
While intense workouts might feel overwhelming, gentle movement like walking can boost energy levels and support your mental health. Physical activity has been shown to have significant benefits for people with depression.
If possible, schedule your TMS appointments at times when you can rest afterward if needed. Some people prefer morning appointments, while others find late afternoon works better for their energy levels.
At Advantage TMS, our staff is specially trained to support patients throughout their treatment. If you’re experiencing tiredness or any other concerns, let your TMS treater, our Licensed Clinical Social Worker or our physician know. They can offer guidance and reassurance, and ensure that what you’re experiencing is within the normal range.
While you might experience some temporary tiredness during treatment, the long-term effects of successful TMS therapy often include increased energy and motivation. In fact, TMS is shown to improve symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue. Depression itself is exhausting—it drains your energy, makes basic tasks feel overwhelming, and leaves you feeling empty and tired.
As TMS therapy helps normalize brain function and lift depression symptoms, many patients report feeling more energized, focused, and motivated. They find themselves wanting to engage in activities they once enjoyed and having the energy to maintain relationships and pursue goals.
Many patients at Advantage TMS report that after completing treatment, they feel more alive and present than they have in years. The initial adjustment period of treatment is a small investment compared to the lasting improvements in energy, mood, and quality of life.
At Advantage TMS, we understand that starting any new treatment comes with questions and concerns. Our program combines sophisticated TMS technology with personal care to give you the best possible treatment experience.
We’re open 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, making it easier to schedule appointments that work with your life. Our Licensed Clinical Social Worker and TMS support team provide immediate help and guidance throughout your treatment. We also offer free group therapy sessions and post-treatment support to help you maintain your progress.
If you’re wondering can TMS make you tired, or want to learn more about what to expect from treatment, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team is here to help you find relief from depression and start living your life to its fullest.
Kweon, J., Fukuda, A. M., Gobin, A. P., Haq, L., Carpenter, L. L., & Brown, J. C. (2024). Effect of sleep quality on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation outcomes in depression. Frontiers in psychiatry, 15, 1458696. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1458696
Miwa, K., & Inoue, Y. (2023). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation ameliorates symptoms in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome). IBRO neuroscience reports, 15, 335–341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.10.008
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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
