At TMS Erina, one of the most common questions we hear from people considering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is: “Do I have to stop taking my medication before starting TMS treatment?”
The short answer is no. In fact, many of our patients continue with their prescribed antidepressants or other psychotropic medications throughout their course of TMS treatment in Erina.
This is especially relevant for people who feel like their depression medication has stopped being effective, or who are still experiencing symptoms despite trying several options. That’s why TMS is such an important option – it offers a safe, evidence-based treatment for depression and other mental health conditions right here on the Central Coast, designed to work alongside your existing care rather than replace it.
Can I Continue Medication with TMS?
If you’ve been living with depression, chances are you’ve already tried one – or several – medications. For some people, the results don’t last, leaving them frustrated and thinking about stopping their medication altogether. Others feel the opposite – that the idea of coming off their antidepressants is daunting because, even if they’re not working as well as they used to, they still play an important role in daily life.
The truth is, stopping medication isn’t always realistic or safe – and it’s not usually necessary. For many people, medication remains part of their support system, even if it’s not the whole solution.
This is where TMS comes in. Rather than replacing it, TMS works alongside medication, helping to stimulate the brain pathways involved in mood regulation. So instead of removing something that may still be useful, it adds another layer of support when medication alone isn’t enough.
How TMS and Antidepressants Work Together
There’s a common misconception that trying TMS means you need to be drug-free. It’s important to know that this simply isn’t the case.
For many people, the most realistic and effective treatment plan combines:
• Staying on existing medications that remain helpful
• Adding TMS to encourage brain activity and potentially improve how well those medications work
This combined approach is particularly valuable because depression, anxiety, PTSD and other mental health conditions don’t look the same for everyone. Treatment should never be “all or nothing.”
Personalised Care in Erina
We know how important it is to be able to access care without having to travel. At TMS Erina, we’re proud to make this innovative treatment available to our Central Coast community in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment.
Our friendly and professional team will work closely with you and your prescribing doctor to ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your needs. Whether you’re staying on one medication, several, or none at all, TMS can be adjusted to fit into your life, not the other way around.
TMS as a Depression Medication Alternative on the Central Coast
If you’ve been holding back from trying new treatment options like TMS because you thought you needed to stop your medication first, know that this isn’t true.
At TMS Erina, we believe in practical, personalised treatment plans that meet you where you are. TMS isn’t about removing all other supports – it’s about providing another effective option when antidepressants alone haven’t been enough.
And with our clinic based right here on the Central Coast, accessing depression treatment is closer to home than you might think.