TMS vs Antidepressants

With heightened awareness of mental health issues, there is no reason to be ashamed of seeking the treatment you require to improve your well-being. With a variety of treatment options available, from antidepressants to TMS therapy, you may not know which will be the best fit for you. When you want effective treatment for your depression you may want to know what the difference between TMS vs antidepressants is, and how they will work for you.

Antidepressants are pills that are prescribed to patients to help manage their depression. When it comes to depression, these drugs are the first line of resistance once signs of mental health issues in young adults – and not only – appear. They are classified by various groups, and it is normal for people to go through a trial-and-error process before finding the best medication type for them. Antidepressants work by preventing serotonin reuptake in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that helps with mood regulation, the immune system, and other bodily functions.

These drugs oppose depression by increasing the amount of serotonin available in patients’ brains. However, they are not for everyone. They could not work because not all depression appears from the body’s inability to handle serotonin levels properly. In some instances, depression occurs because of endocrine dysfunction, and thyroid remedies may be more effective in alleviating symptoms. In other cases, it could be the type of antidepressant that has been prescribed.

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The market hosts various antidepressant kinds, each of which works differently; therefore, it usually takes trial and error to find the right brand for each patient. There are also times when antidepressants aren’t practical for unknown reasons and may cause unwanted side effects while not improving mood. Nevertheless, here are the most common types of antidepressants and how they work:

SSRIs

The most common type of antidepressant is an SSRI — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This type is one of the newer antidepressant classes, and it is known to be effective for treating many types of depression. SSRIs work by preventing serotonin reuptake in the brain, making it more available; they are also commonly used to treat anxiety, eating disorders, and other prevalent mental health issues. According to some studies, SSRIs are safe when used correctly; however, they can cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. Many people also report feeling emotionally numb. 

SNRIs

SNRIs, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are similar to SSRIs but with one major exception: norepinephrine. This medication type prevents serotonin and norepinephrine reabsorption, making them more effective in some patients; however, they also have side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and constipation. 

Atypicals 

Numerous antidepressants are challenging to categorize because they might be the only ones in their class. The first and most well-known atypical antidepressant is Wellbutrin, an NDRI (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor), which leaves patients feeling more alert and energized.

Another drug, Trazodone, is classified as a SARI (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor). This medication should inhibit serotonin receptors, making serotonin more available in the body; however, although it is an antidepressant, it is sedating, making it less desirable. On the other hand, Remeron is a noradrenergic blocker, inhibiting the release of adrenaline, so people who suffer from stress-related depression may benefit from it. 

TMS is a newer, non-invasive, and FDA-approved method of treating depression. The technique, scientifically known as ‘transcranial magnetic stimulation,’ stimulates nerves in the brain with magnets to help alleviate depression. While it may sound frightening, it is entirely safe and has very few to no side effects. 

When you agree to a TMS treatment, the professional will place an electromagnetic coil against your scalp, close to your forehead. This coil produces magnetic waves that resemble taps or pulses, which should incite nerve cells in the section of your brain that governs your mood. It is a painless procedure, but some patients may experience discomfort while adjusting to it. Each session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and usually takes place five days a week. Patients receive the TMS treatment for four to six weeks – compared to the long-term approach through medication management. If the patient wishes to mix in traditional medicine, they can use both TMS and antidepressants together.

TMS is ideal for anyone who has tried traditional depression treatments without success; however, many clinics ask patients to try several antidepressant medications before attempting TMS. In addition, the technique is prevalent among people suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Simply put, TMS is not for everyone. Because of the magnets, people who have metal implants in their heads and those suffering from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or any brain damage type, are not good candidates for this method. With all this in mind you may wonder — TMS vs antidepressants: which is right for you?

Most people who suffer from depression show good results from taking antidepressants. While it can be challenging to find the proper medication, it can be beneficial if your brain works with it; however, if you have treatment-resistant depression, this may not be the case. Therefore, when considering the benefits of TMS vs antidepressants, you may benefit from TMS as an addition to or as a replacement for your current medication. 

When antidepressants fail, TMS may be a viable alternative. Patients who attended a few sessions per week for about a month felt relief from their depression symptoms. Furthermore, TMS does not need extensive preparation or anesthesia, and it has no long-term, adverse side effects.

Once you have considered the difference between TMS vs antidepressants, if you believe that TMS treatment is best for you, the professionals at MyTMS can provide you with the high-quality care you require. We are a leading provider of TMS treatment in Hollywood, FL, offering each patient high-end mental health services at My Psychiatrist. We also employ the most modern resources to give you the best care attainable to meet your needs, so call us today at (954) 332-0740 to take your sadness away.

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