Depression is a common mental health condition that causes challenging obstacles in life. The most common first-line treatment is a traditional approach, including antidepressant medications and talk therapy. However, not everyone experiences measurable results from antidepressant medication.
When you do not experience relief after two or three different medications, the diagnosis is treatment-resistant depression. We want you to know that there is still hope and treatment that can help relieve symptoms of depression and allow you to regain an enjoyable and productive life.
TMS therapy has proven to be successful in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. Learn more about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy and how NeuroStar TMS therapy may help alleviate your symptoms.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain known to be involved in mood disorders. The FDA cleared TMS therapy in 2008, and it is now approved for depression, depression-related anxiety, and as an adjunctive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Clinical data and case studies with TMS therapy have demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing or eliminating depression with anxiety symptoms. In a recent study, 83% of people treated with NeuroStar TMS therapy experienced measurable results, and up to 62% experienced complete remission. (Sackeim HA, et al. (2020). J
Affective Disorders, (277)(12):65-74)
NeuroStar TMS therapy does not require surgery or implanted devices. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it does not carry the risks of memory loss nor purposely trigger seizure activity.
Treatment sessions do not require anesthesia or sedation, so you can leave immediately afterward and go about the remainder of your day.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that less than 5% of people who received NeuroStar TMS therapy did not complete the treatment cycle because of side effects. The most common side effects reported are temporary pain or discomfort underneath the TMS treatment coil or near the site that occurs during therapy.
Discomfort typically resolves after the first week of treatment. Other side effects include eye pain, muscle twitches, facial pain, and toothache. Less than 0.03% of people have reported a rare risk of a seizure during TMS therapy. Data shows that while a seizure is a rare side effect, it does not adversely affect thinking skills in individuals who do experience one.
There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient). For this reason, NeuroStar TMS therapy is not recommended in people who have a known seizure disorder.
NeuroStar TMS therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. These electromagnetic pulses can affect any conductive metal or stimulator implants in or near the head and shoulders. This means people who have active or inactive implants or metal in their head or neck area are not candidates for NeuroStar TMS therapy.
NeuroStar TMS therapy has not been evaluated in women who are pregnant, so therapy should be delayed until after the baby is born.
The symptoms of depression and anxiety can be overwhelming. They can significantly impact your productivity and creativity, and create problems with your relationships with friends and family. If you have treatment-resistant depression, we encourage you to call today and schedule a consultation and learn more about the safety and side effects of TMS therapy.
Adult Indications for Use
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is indicated for the treatment of depressive episodes and for decreasing anxiety symptoms for those who may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms in adult patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from previous antidepressant medication treatment in the current episode.
The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is intended to be used as an adjunct for the treatment of adult patients suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Adolescent Indications for Use
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is indicated as an adjunct for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescent patients (15-21).
Important Safety Information
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is only available by prescription. A doctor can help decide if NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is right for you. Patients’ results may vary.
The most common side effect is pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site. These events are transient; they occur during the TMS treatment course and do not occur for most patients after the first week of treatment. There is a rare risk of seizure associated with the use of TMS therapy (<0.1% per patient).
Visit neurostar.com for full safety and prescribing information.
