Living with Major Depressive Disorder can feel exhausting in ways that are hard to explain. Medications can help many people, but they also come with common side effects that make it harder to stay consistent. When you are already dealing with low mood, low energy, or depression with comorbid anxiety, worrying about side effects can feel like another burden.
That is why many people ask careful questions before starting a new treatment. “What is the most common side effect of TMS?” is often one of the first questions they ask. NeuroStar TMS is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that has undergone extensive studies and is generally well tolerated.
NeuroStar TMS treatments involve magnetic pulses that stimulate under-reactive regions of the brain associated with mood disorders. NeuroStar TMS does not involve anesthesia. During treatment, you sit comfortably in a chair while the system delivers targeted pulses to your scalp.
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder in adults ages 22 and up. It also has FDA clearance as an adjunct treatment for OCD, meaning you can use it alongside other ongoing treatments. A treatment course lasts seven weeks, with sessions scheduled on weekdays. Results often begin to appear around four to six weeks, and benefits can last up to a year for some people.
When people look up the most common secondary effect of TMS, they often feel relieved to learn that clinicians have used NeuroStar TMS in over 7.4 million treatments across more than 202,000 patients and studied it in more than 65 clinical trials. This long history helps clinicians and patients clearly understand its benefits and risks.
The most common complaint among patients is that their scalp hurts slightly during and shortly after treatment. This usually happens when the clinician delivers the magnetic pulses. Many people describe it as tapping or pressure on the scalp. For most patients, this discomfort decreases as treatment continues and the body adjusts.
Other possible side effects include facial muscle twitching during treatment or mild lightheadedness after a session. These effects are generally short-lived and considered moderate in risk. It is important to know that while many people tolerate treatment well, some mild discomfort can occur, especially early on.
Understanding the typical side effects of TMS can help you feel more prepared and confident. Our team takes the time to adjust settings and talk with you throughout your treatment so your experience feels manageable and supported.
When depression has already taken so much from you, the idea of another treatment can feel overwhelming. Those asking, “What is the most common side effect of TMS?” feel more at ease when they learn that the answer is typically just mild scalp discomfort. This FDA-cleared treatment has a strong safety record and is widely used as a treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and as an adjunct treatment for OCD.
If you have been wondering whether NeuroStar TMS might be right for you, we are here to help you take responsibility for yourself and your brain health. Call Synergy Strive today to schedule an appointment and talk through your questions in a way that feels clear, honest, and human.
