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Antidepressants are often prescribed for the treatment of depression, because the effect and results are well known. rTMS is fairly new which makes it unknown. In the following section we will summarize the benefits and drawbacks of both. For an overview of the first results from our own practice also see results.
Treatment with medication - Antidepressants
The two most important kinds of medication that are currently prescribed are:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s) like Dozepin and Selective Serotonine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) or Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI's) such as Seroxat / Paxil (Paroxetine), Efexor (Venlafaxine), Cipramil (Citalopram), Remeron (Mirtazapine) or Prozac (Fluoxetine). Besides medication, sometimes ECT: Electroconvulsive or electroshock therapy is applied, but only in very few cases.
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Benefits of Antidepressants
Ø Effect has comprehensively been tested and demonstrated
Ø Prescribed easily by GP or psychiatrist
Drawbacks of Antidepressants
Ø A noticeable effect after 3-4 weeks
Ø Efficacy of medication alone is only ± 40-50%
Ø Risk of overdosing (especially TCA’s)
Ø Combination with other medication and/or alcohol can be dangerous
Ø Increased likelihood of suicide (especially in children)
Ø Systemic Treatment, leading to possible side effects such as nausea, fatigue, weight gain, sleep problems, decreased libido, memory loss, transpiration, heart rush, nightmares and a dry mouth. |
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rTMS Treatment
rTMS might seem remarkable, because it works using magnetic stimulation, but it often takes time for such new interventions to become established. Several extensive scientific studies have been performed on the efficacy of rTMS treatment for depression, with good results. Furthermore rTMS has been reported by the FDA to have few side effects and can therefore be seen as a safe treatment (FDA).
Benefits
Ø No need for medication, hence no risk of addiction and other side effects
Ø First effects noticeable within 10 sessions (1-2 weeks)
Ø Sustained effect after 4-8 weeks of intensive treatment
Ø Local Treatment hence few side effects (a possible side effect can be headache or an unpleasant sensation on the location of stimulation)
Drawbacks
Ø New treatment method (experimental)
Ø A series of refreshment sessions might in some cases be needed after 8-12 months for preservation of the antidepressive effect
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