Effectiveness of NeuroStar® Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
NeuroStar® TMS therapy has been extensively studied for depression treatment. Patients treated with NeuroStar® TMS therapy often experienced significant improvement in anxiety and bothersome physical symptoms (such as appetite changes, aches and pains, and lack of energy) associated with depression. (1)
About a third of the patients treated with NeuroStar® TMS Therapy experienced complete symptom relief at the end of six weeks treatment.
Few side effectsUnlike most antidepressants, NeuroStar® TMS Therapy causes very few, if any, side effects and is generally well tolerated by patients. The most common side effect is scalp discomfort that is very mild and may only be felt during the first treatment session.
There is:- No weight gain
- No sexual dysfunction
- No sedation
- No nausea
- No dry mouth
- No adverse effects on concentration or memory
- No device-drug interactions
There are a few patients in which NeuroStar® TMS therapy is contraindicated and cannot be used. Individuals with implanted metallic devices or non-removable metallic objects in or around the head cannot receive NeuroStar® TMS therapy.
Results within 4 weeksIn clinical trials, most patients who benefited from NeuroStar® TMS Therapy experienced results by the fourth week of treatment. Some patients may experience results in less time, while others may take longer. You should discuss your depression symptoms with your physician throughout the treatment course. If symptoms persist, you may want to consider other antidepressant options.
1. Demitrack MA, Thase ME. Clinical significance of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the treatment of pharmacoresistant depression: synthesis of recent data. Psychopharm Bull. 2009, 42(2): 5-38.
