In clinical trials, fewer than 5% of people discontinued treatment due to adverse events. The most common side effect was temporary pain or discomfort at or near the treatment site during therapy that usually resolves within the first week of treatment.
Other side effects (occurring in less than 5% of people and twice the placebo rate) include eye pain, toothache, muscle twitch, facial pain, and skin pain.
There is a rare risk of seizure associated with TMS therapy that occurs in 0.01% of people. There is no adverse effect on cognition. To put things into perspective, antidepressant medications have an increased risk of seizure between 0.10% and 4.00%.
People should notify their doctor if they experience worsening depression symptoms, signs, or symptoms of suicidal behavior and/or unusual behavior.
Family members and support individuals should also be aware of the need to observe their loved ones and notify their treatment provider if symptoms worsen.
