If you are exploring treatment options for depression, you might be asking yourself if you can take antidepressants along with TMS therapy. This is an important consideration, especially if you are currently using medication to manage your symptoms. You might be evaluating whether you should use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a supplement to your existing treatment, or as a potential alternative to antidepressants entirely.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we use NeuroStar TMS therapy—the #1 physician-recommended treatment of its kind. Understanding how it interacts with antidepressant medications can help you make a confident and informed decision. We are here to guide you through that process with care and clinical insight.
Many patients ask if they can combine treatments and take antidepressants at the same time as receiving NeuroStar TMS therapy. The answer is yes—it is common to continue taking prescribed antidepressants during a course of NeuroStar TMS therapy.
This is possible because antidepressants and TMS work in different but complementary ways. While antidepressants influence brain chemistry through systemic circulation, NeuroStar TMS uses targeted magnetic pulses to directly stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. These distinct mechanisms allow both treatments to work together.
Continuing your medication while starting NeuroStar TMS treatment allows you to maintain a level of symptom stability while giving your brain the additional support it may need. At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we can coordinate care with your prescribing provider to ensure your treatment plan is both safe and effective.
You might not be considering combining NeuroStar TMS therapy with medication—you may prefer to eliminate medication from your treatment plan altogether. Many patients have experienced a lack of success with medication and want to replace it with NeuroStar TMS.
If you have experienced only partial relief from antidepressants or struggled with unpleasant side effects, NeuroStar TMS can offer a valuable alternative to your current routine.
Another frequent question is whether you can combine antidepressants and NeuroStar TMS over the long term. The answer depends on your unique experience with depression and how well you respond to TMS therapy. Some patients find that, after completing a round of NeuroStar TMS therapy, they can reduce or eventually discontinue their antidepressants under medical supervision. Others may benefit from maintaining both treatments to support lasting mood stability.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we focus on your personal journey and do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We are committed to helping you find a sustainable, effective plan that enhances your quality of life and mental resilience.
If you are still wondering whether antidepressants have to be dropped while you are getting NeuroStar treatments, you are not alone. While the answer to this question is dependent on your individual health and needs, for most patients NeuroStar TMS is highly adaptable to your existing treatment plan. Whether you choose to continue, adjust, or gradually reduce your medication, NeuroStar TMS therapy can be an effective addition to your journey toward better mental health.
At Genesis TMS and Wellness, we are dedicated to helping you find the right balance in your care. You deserve a treatment plan that reflects your goals and respects your experience. Schedule a consultation with us in the Fairfax or Alexandria areas today and let our team help you move forward with confidence.
