One of the biggest reasons people choose TMS is what it doesn’t do. Because TMS works directly on targeted brain areas and doesn’t circulate through your body, it avoids most of the side effects that make people quit antidepressants.
That doesn’t mean zero side effects. Here’s the full, honest picture.
Common side effects (and they usually fade)
- Headache. The most common side effect. Usually mild and most frequent in the first week or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers often help.
- Scalp discomfort at the treatment site during stimulation.
- Facial twitching or tingling during pulses, because nearby nerves and muscles get stimulated.
- Lightheadedness or mild fatigue after early sessions.
For most patients, these get noticeably better as the brain and scalp adjust. If they don’t, your care team can adjust the coil position or ramp up intensity more slowly.
Rare side effects
- Seizure. This is the most serious risk and it’s very rare — on the order of one in tens of thousands of sessions when screening and safety guidelines are followed. Risk is higher in people with a seizure history or certain medical conditions, which is why we screen carefully.
- Hearing changes. The coil makes a loud click. Earplugs prevent this — you’ll always wear them.
- Mania or hypomania. People with bipolar disorder may be at risk of a mood switch. Tell your clinician about any history of bipolar disorder.
What TMS does not cause
Compared with many antidepressants, TMS is not associated with:
- Weight gain
- Sexual side effects
- Emotional numbness
- Daytime drowsiness
- Nausea or digestive problems
- Withdrawal symptoms when treatment ends
And compared with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), TMS requires no anesthesia and is not associated with memory loss.
Who should not have TMS?
TMS isn’t safe for everyone. You may not be a candidate if you have:
- Non-removable metal in or near the head (aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, certain stents, metal fragments)
- Implanted devices like a deep brain stimulator or vagus nerve stimulator
- A history of seizures or epilepsy (requires careful evaluation)
Dental fillings and braces are generally fine. Read more about who TMS is for.
What about long-term effects?
TMS has been FDA-cleared since 2008, and research spans decades. Studies have not found long-term negative effects on memory or thinking in people treated within safety guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Do TMS headaches last after treatment ends?
Typically no. They usually fade within the first couple of weeks of treatment.
Does TMS change your personality?
No. Patients often say they feel more like themselves as depression lifts.
Is PrTMS gentler?
PrTMS typically uses a lower amplitude than standard TMS, and patients often report it’s comfortable. Most report no side effects or a mild headache. About PrTMS.
Talk through your concerns
Every new EmpowerTMS patient gets a free consultation with a full safety screening. Call (951) 625-3733 or book online.
