Is TMS Right for Me? A Quick Guide

Tired of Side Effects and Stalled Progress? NeuroStar May Offer a Better Path

Wondering if TMS could be the answer you’ve been looking for? This guide breaks down who benefits, how it works, and what to expect from NeuroStar.

Exploring a Different Kind of Depression Treatment

For many living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), medication is the first step. But when that first or second prescription fails to bring relief, frustration builds quickly. NeuroStar Advanced TMS offers a different path—without the systemic side effects of drugs or the stigma of traditional shock therapy. It’s not a pill or surgery. It’s a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the part of the brain that regulates mood.

NeuroStar treatments are performed in-office and typically take just 19 minutes per session, five days a week for about six weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities right after their appointment. Over 7.4 million treatments have been delivered, making it the most widely used and trusted TMS option in the country.

When Standard Options Don’t Feel Like Enough

If you’ve tried antidepressants and haven’t felt significant or lasting change, you’re not alone. Antidepressants often come with side effects like weight gain, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction—and each new prescription carries a lower chance of success. Clinical data shows that patients who don’t respond to two or more antidepressants have a significantly lower remission rate with additional medication trials. That’s where NeuroStar steps in.

This approach has an 83% response rate in real-world studies. That means most patients who complete the full course of NeuroStar therapy experience measurable improvement in their symptoms. It’s also the only TMS treatment with proven durability for a full year in treatment-resistant depression.

How the Process Works

The first step is a consultation with a NeuroStar provider. During your visit, they’ll review your treatment history and current symptoms to decide if TMS is a good fit. If approved, you’ll begin a treatment series tailored to your needs, with each session targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—the brain’s emotional control center.

There’s no anesthesia, no recovery time, and most patients report no disruption to their daily schedule. Over time, the stimulation helps reset activity patterns in the brain that are linked to depression, leading to lasting improvement.

Who Might Benefit Most

NeuroStar is ideal for adults with MDD who haven’t seen relief from at least one antidepressant. It’s also a valuable option for those seeking a non-drug solution or concerned about long-term medication use. Whether you're feeling stuck in your current plan or simply want to explore all available options, NeuroStar is worth a conversation with your doctor.

Finding Hope When You’re Ready for Change

Living with depression that resists medication can feel like a cycle with no clear exit. NeuroStar provides a new direction—one backed by research, trusted by physicians, and proven in practice. If you’re ready for something different, now is the time to find out if TMS is right for you. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a better tomorrow.