There are numerous medications and antidepressants for depression, but many only mask or temporarily address their depression symptoms as they course through the bloodstream. Discontinuing an antidepressant regimen could very well cause a depressive episode to occur.
Additionally, many antidepressants have a range of side effects, and can include:
- Increased suicidal ideation
- Long-term weight gain
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Upset digestive system
- Lower sex drive
Each patient is unique, and their response to certain antidepressants is inconsistent. As a result, patients may have to try (and possibly experience a range of side effects) multiple medications before finding one that may alleviate their depression symptoms.
In order to avoid situations such as these and get people relief sooner, there has been a search for new treatments, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is at the forefront of this movement.
Compared to antidepressants, TMS has very few side effects while also offering highly effective results. One in two patients treated with TMS had a 50% reduction in their symptoms, and after six weeks of treatment, one-third (33%) of patients had no symptoms of their depression or were in remission.
Also, TMS treatments only typically last four to six weeks. Antidepressants must be taken continuously, or else symptoms are likely to return.
