Different treatments for depression work by impacting different parts of the brain. The most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant medications, called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), work primarily by creating a net increase of the neurotransmitter Serotonin in the brain. In doing so, SSRIs lead to high rates of the following side effects:
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia (inability to fall asleep)
- Anxiety and/or agitation
- Excessive sweating
- Seizures
If SSRIs don’t work for a patient, they will often try a Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI), which work by increasing activity of both Serotonin and Norepinephrine. Both of these neurotransmitters are commonly associated with mood, with norepinephrine also associated with general wakefulness. However, SNRIs tend to have the same side effects as SSRIs. If SSRIs and SNRIs do not work, doctors usually try prescribing older classes of antidepressants, such as Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). TCAs and MAOIs tend to have much more extreme side effects, including the following:
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention problems
- Tachycardia
- Memory impairment
- Delirium
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, on the other hand, can improve the symptoms of depression without the side effects that typical medications carry. This is because TMS is not an oral medication, but rather a device that emits magnetic pulses. The pulses target specific areas of the brain in a focused way, and do not interfere with unintended physiological systems like medications do.
TMS Side Effects
- Scalp discomfort
- Minor headaches
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Memory impairment
If you or your loved one are considering a treatment for depression without many side effects, please contact us today. Unlike antidepressant medications, Express TMS, or theta burst stimulation, does not have a long list of potential side effects. During treatment, Express TMS may cause minor scalp discomfort or small facial twitching. Roughly one quarter of individuals report mild headaches after the first few sessions. Otherwise, Express TMS has no systemic side effects, and as such, is considered to be one of the safest options available to treat depression. As Express TMS does not involve taking a drug, it is a focal treatment that can target mood-based areas of the brain directly. Certain patients are not suitable for Express TMS, such as those with metallic implants or histories of seizures. Contact our offices in Los Angeles or Santa Monica today to find out if TMS therapy is the right treatment for you.
