Safety and Side Effects of TMS Therapy

For many patients, medication doesn’t always provide the relief they need from conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some struggle with the side effects of medication, while others experience the frustration of switching medications without improvement.

At Collaborative Solutions in Psychiatry, we offer NeuroStar TMS therapy—the #1 physician-recommended TMS therapy for treating major depressive disorder, OCD, and anxious depression. TMS therapy is a non-surgical, non-medication treatment that is both safe and FDA-cleared. If you’re concerned about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy, read on to learn more.

Proven Safety of NeuroStar TMS Therapy

NeuroStar TMS therapy has been rigorously tested in clinical trials involving hundreds of thousands of patients. These trials have consistently shown no evidence of severe or adverse side effects. For patients who do experience mild side effects, these typically occur during the first few sessions and resolve on their own after subsequent treatments.

Common Side Effects of TMS Therapy

While TMS therapy is generally very safe, some patients may experience mild to moderate side effects during their treatment. These side effects include:

  • Scalp discomfort or pain
  • Mild headaches
  • Facial muscle twitches or spasms
  • Tooth pain

It’s important to note that these side effects are not adverse effects and typically resolve quickly. In fact, some patients don’t experience any side effects at all. For those who do, the discomfort tends to diminish as the body becomes accustomed to the treatment.

Is TMS Therapy Right for Everyone?

While TMS therapy is an excellent option for many adults who have not found relief with medication, it’s not suitable for everyone. Patients who may not be eligible for TMS therapy include:

  • Patients with metal implants or hardware in or near the head (usually from surgery)
  • Those with psychotic or manic symptoms
  • Patients with serious neurological conditions
  • Patients with certain implants, such as cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, or vagus nerve stimulators

Misconceptions About TMS Therapy

Many patients come to us with misconceptions about what TMS therapy is and how it works. It’s important to clarify that TMS therapy is not:

TMS therapy uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain associated with mood and behavior. When administered by a clinical specialist, TMS therapy is a safe, FDA-approved treatment for the neurological symptoms underlying MDD and OCD. At our Madison clinic, NeuroStar TMS therapy is delivered 5 days a week over a seven-week treatment course, with some patients noticing results as early as the first week.

Talk to Our Team About the Safety and Side Effects of TMS Therapy

If you’re struggling with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxious depression and have not found relief from medication, NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy may be the right solution for you.

If you have questions about TMS therapy, including concerns about safety or side effects, schedule a consultation with our clinic in Madison today. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment to manage your MDD or OCD.

References

  1. George MS, et al. A comprehensive review of TMS therapy for depression and OCD. Am J Psychiatry. 2022;179(3):411-420.
  2. Fitzgerald PB, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of TMS therapy in mental health. J Clin Psychiatry. 2021;82(2).
  3. O’Reardon JP, et al. Managing side effects in TMS therapy: Clinical guidelines. Brain Stimul. 2020;13(4):957-965.