NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
FDA-cleared, non-medication depression treatment
(855) 940-4867
You've been dealing with a mental health issue for a while. You've tried a few therapies and medications, but nothing seems to be working. Now, you're weighing the advantages and disadvantages of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and, like many others, aren't sure if you have all the information you need to make a confident decision. Here's a look at the pros and cons of TMS therapy to help you decide how to move forward on your journey to wellness.
The most common use for TMS is to treat depression symptoms, but TMS can be used to treat other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and smoking cessation. TMS is a rapidly evolving medical field that will likely be used to treat many other conditions in the future, but more research needs to be done to gain further understanding, FDA clearance, and insurance coverage.
TMS therapy is FDA-cleared to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who have failed to respond to one antidepressant (though insurance companies generally cover TMS only after a patient hasn't responded to at least two antidepressants). The TMS success rate is promising; one prominent multicenter study found that 70 percent of TMS patients experienced reduced symptoms, and 40 percent experienced full remission. These numbers reflect results solely among people who found medication ineffective, meaning TMS has proven successful among the majority of people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
For many people with TRD, TMS therapy succeeds where medication has failed. Among patients with MDD who have received TMS, three out of four have reported a reduction in depression symptoms after completing the acute phase of the procedure. Others may find the side effects of antidepressants intolerable, making TMS therapy a desirable option.
TMS is generally well tolerated with few adverse consequences. The only side effect that is greater than a 5% risk is transient headache or site pain with initiating treatment. On the other hand, medications travel thru the body thus individuals are vulnerable to systemic side effects. For example, some antidepressants are known to cause weight gain, constipation, anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, sedation or insomnia and sexual dysfunction making compliance with antidepressant medication a challenge.
Some patients balk at the time commitment for TMS therapy—patients will have 30-36 sessions over six to nine weeks. However, many patients find the appointments to be relaxing, a scheduled time dedicated to attending to their own needs. When coming in for a treatment, you'll sit in a comfortable chair while the TMS therapy device is situated on your head. The device, which can be adjusted to your comfort, will deliver gentle magnetic pulses to the brain regions known to be directly associated with mood regulation. After a 20-minute treatment session, you can immediately return to your normal routine.
The technicians do everything they can to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing experience. "I had wonderful technicians who were so good at explaining everything to me," says Josie, a Greenbrook TMS patient. "They were kind and entertaining, making every 20-minute session go by quickly. I felt like we were a team."
TMS is a lifeline to many people who feel like they are out of options, but not everyone has an easy time with TMS therapy. Hurdles like insurance, contraindications, and barriers to access can be frustrating for patients who might otherwise enjoy the benefits of TMS.
TMS therapy is covered by most major insurance companies for MDD if you have tried and failed at least two antidepressants. Because TMS is more expensive than most antidepressants, insurance companies typically won't authorize payment if TMS is the first-line therapy.
That being said, Greenbrook helps manage the insurance process for you. Throughout the process, you'll work with a patient consultant to find the status of your insurance requests. You'll know what your benefits inquiry is when you start so your payments are predictable, and this allows you to make an informed choice about what's best for you. If your insurance does not cover TMS, Greenbrook can help you find third-party financing.
TMS may be complicated or contraindicated for people with certain conditions. TMS's use of magnetic fields can have negative consequences for people with metal implanted above their neckline. The magnetic field won't pass through metal, and it can also cause the metal to get hot. Other things that could complicate TMS include brain tumors, implanted devices, and a history of seizures. Many of these issues can be accommodated, so be sure to see an experienced TMS provider who may be able to work around your specific case before you decide that TMS won't work for you.
Behavioral health care in rural areas remains a problem in the United States. Because TMS is a relatively new treatment, even if you are not in a rural area, you may have trouble finding a treatment center near you.
Greenbrook providers recognize that TMS therapy needs to be convenient, so they've established centers where it's easier for people to visit. The goal is to avoid causing someone to drive hours to receive TMS therapy for depression. Greenbrook is constantly expanding to bring TMS therapy to those who need it. Patients can go to the website, which has a location finder, to can find the center nearest to your home.
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No matter your situation, it's a smart idea to weigh the pros and cons of TMS therapy and seek the treatment that works best for you. If you're interested in learning more about the advantages and disadvantages of TMS for your specific situation, you can set up a free consultation, and a patient consultant will discuss any questions you may have.
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NeuroStar 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).
NeuroStar 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.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® can cause serious side effects, including:
Do not take SPRAVATO® if you:
If you are not sure if you have any of the above conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking SPRAVATO®.
Before you take SPRAVATO®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Taking SPRAVATO® with certain medicine may cause side effects.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take central nervous system (CNS) depressants, psychostimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) medicine. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How will I take SPRAVATO®?
What should I avoid while taking SPRAVATO®?
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything where you need to be completely alert after taking SPRAVATO®. Do not take part in these activities until the next day following a restful sleep. See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?”
What are the possible side effects of SPRAVATO®?
SPRAVATO® may cause serious side effects including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?”
Increased blood pressure. SPRAVATO® can cause a temporary increase in your blood pressure that may last for about 4 hours after taking a dose. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure before taking SPRAVATO® and for at least 2 hours after you take SPRAVATO®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, change in vision, or seizures after taking SPRAVATO®.
Problems with thinking clearly. Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems thinking or remembering.
Bladder problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop trouble urinating, such as a frequent or urgent need to urinate, pain when urinating, or urinating frequently at night.
The most common side effects of SPRAVATO® include:
If these common side effects occur, they usually happen right after taking SPRAVATO® and go away the same day.
These are not all the possible side effects of SPRAVATO®.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Johnson & Johnson at 1-800-526-7736, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII nasal spray?
SPRAVATO® is a prescription medicine used:
SPRAVATO® is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe or effective as an anesthetic medicine.
It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective for use in preventing suicide or in reducing suicidal thoughts or actions. SPRAVATO® is not for use in place of hospitalization if your healthcare provider determines that hospitalization is needed, even if improvement is experienced after the first dose of SPRAVATO®.
It is not known if SPRAVATO® is safe and effective in children.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO® and discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider.
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