Should I Continue Medications after TMS Treatment?
For many individuals living with major depressive disorder (MDD) or treatment-resistant depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has become a breakthrough alternative to traditional medication or more invasive procedures like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). As more patients turn to TMS therapy for relief, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear at Exult Healthcare is: “Do I need to stay on my medication after TMS treatment?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s what to know about combining TMS treatment with antidepressant medication, and how to approach your long-term treatment plan.
Understanding TMS and How It Works
TMS treatment is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that uses focused magnetic pulses to activate specific areas of the brain linked to mood regulation—especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike ECT, which requires sedation and can have more intense side effects, TMS sessions are outpatient, drug-free, and generally well tolerated.
Each treatment session typically lasts 20–40 minutes, and patients often undergo 4–5 sessions per week for several weeks. Over time, the effects of TMS help retrain the brain to regulate mood more effectively, often leading to reduced depressive symptoms and improved emotional well-being.
Can TMS Replace Antidepressants?
For some patients receiving TMS therapy, the goal may be to reduce or eventually stop taking antidepressant medication—especially if medications have caused uncomfortable side effects or have not been effective. However, this should never be done abruptly or without professional guidance.
Many patients continue taking their prescribed medications during TMS sessions and beyond. This is because TMS can complement existing medication regimens, helping improve results without the need to increase drug dosages.
In fact, combining TMS treatment with medication is often part of a broader treatment plan, especially for those with long-standing or severe depression.
Medications During and After TMS: What to Expect
At Exult Healthcare, we evaluate each patient's needs individually. Here's how we typically guide the process:
· Before TMS: You may already be on antidepressant medication. Your provider will review your history and determine whether adjustments are needed before starting TMS therapy.
· During TMS: Many patients stay on their current medications while they receive TMS. This can help support mood stability as the brain adjusts to the stimulation.
· After TMS: Your provider will monitor how you feel and may discuss tapering off or adjusting medications over time—only if it’s safe and appropriate.
Some patients feel significantly better after TMS and are able to reduce medication use. Others continue taking a low-dose antidepressant as part of long-term maintenance.
When to Consider Staying on Medication
While TMS can be life-changing, it's important to understand that it’s not a cure. Depression is a chronic condition for many people, and maintenance may be needed to prevent relapse.
You may benefit from continuing medication after TMS treatment if:
· You’ve experienced multiple depressive episodes
· You have other co-occurring conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder
· Your depression symptoms return after stopping medication
· Your provider recommends a combination approach for long-term success
Remember: every brain is different. Your journey with treatment for depression is unique and should be handled with flexibility and professional support.
Final Thoughts: Collaboration Is Key
At Exult Healthcare, we believe that mental health treatment should be tailored, evidence-based, and collaborative. Whether you continue, reduce, or stop antidepressant medication after TMS will depend on your individual progress and how your brain responds to the therapy.
TMS is a powerful option for people who haven’t found relief through medication alone, and many patients receiving TMS sessions report fewer side effects and a better overall quality of life.
If you’re considering TMS therapy, or wondering whether it’s time to adjust your medications, our team of mental health experts is here to walk with you every step of the way.
Interested in learning if TMS is right for you? Contact Exult Healthcare today to schedule a consultation and build a treatment plan that works for your life—and your healing.
