TMS vs. Medication for Depression: A Comparative Look

Depression can make even the simplest parts of life feel overwhelming. At Goolsby and Associates, we understand how frustrating it can be to try treatment after treatment without getting the relief you deserve. For decades, antidepressant medications—often combined with therapy—have been the most common option. But now, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has become a powerful, non-drug alternative that is FDA-approved and covered by many insurance plans.

If you’re looking for depression treatment in Gainesville, GA, you may be wondering: Is TMS therapy better than medication for me? In this guide, we’ll explain how traditional depression treatments work, where they fall short, and why TMS at Goolsby and Associates is changing lives for patients who have struggled for years.

Traditional Depression Treatments: How Medications Work

For most people seeking help for depression, the first step is usually some form of talk therapy combined with an antidepressant medication. These prescriptions are designed to balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood, energy, and focus.

Common Types of Antidepressants

• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) – Often the first option, including sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro).

• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) – Such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

• Atypical Antidepressants – Like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Remeron).

• Tricyclics and MAOIs – Older medications used less often today due to stronger side effects.

These medications work by adjusting levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine—neurotransmitters that help regulate mood. Talk therapy is also proven effective for the treatment of depression. Depending on your specific needs, your healthcare provider may suggest some combination of talk therapy and medication as a first line of defense against depression. However, for some, relief may not come from these alone. 

The Challenges of Antidepressants

While antidepressants help many people, they don’t work for everyone. One of the biggest frustrations is the trial-and-error process. It can take four to six weeks just to see if a medication is effective, and sometimes multiple prescriptions must be tried before finding a good match.

Side effects can also be a challenge, including:

• Weight gain

• Sexual side effects

• Sleep problems

• Digestive issues

• Fatigue

For some patients, even after trying several medications, depression symptoms remain. If you have tried at least 2 different antidepressants of a given dosage and for the prescribed amount of time, you may have what is known as treatment resistant depression. Research shows that about one-third of people with depression do not experience significant improvement from medications alone.

At Goolsby and Associates, we often see patients who have tried multiple prescriptions without relief. That’s when we talk about TMS therapy—a proven, non-drug alternative.

What is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe, non-invasive treatment for depression that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate the areas of the brain responsible for mood control.

• FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression since 2008

• No anesthesia or sedation needed

• Performed right here in our Gainesville, GA office

• No downtime—you can return to work or daily activities immediately

At Goolsby and Associates, our advanced TMS equipment targets the prefrontal cortex, a region shown to be underactive in people with depression. Stimulating this area helps “reset” brain activity patterns to support a healthier mood.

TMS vs. Medication: The Key Differences

While both antidepressants and TMS aim to improve brain function and lift mood, they work in very different ways.

Antidepressants affect the entire body’s chemical balance, which is why side effects can be common. TMS therapy, on the other hand, delivers targeted stimulation directly to the brain regions involved in depression—without affecting other systems in the body.

Because of this, TMS side effects are minimal, usually limited to mild scalp discomfort or a slight headache that fades after the first few sessions.

Speed of results can also differ. With medication, weeks may pass before noticing changes, and adjustments are common. With TMS, many patients report improvement within 2–4 weeks of starting treatment. This timeline may vary from person to person, however. 

For long-term outcomes, medications often need to be taken daily for years. TMS provides benefits that can last for months or even years after the treatment course ends. Some patients choose occasional “maintenance” sessions to sustain results.

Perhaps most importantly, TMS is highly effective for treatment-resistant depression, giving hope to patients who have tried multiple medications without success.

When to Consider TMS Therapy

TMS may be the right choice if you:

• Have tried one or more antidepressants without success

• Have experienced side effects that make medication difficult to continue

• Want a non-drug option for treating depression

At Goolsby and Associates, we personalize every treatment plan, reviewing your full history and treatment experiences before recommending TMS. We often work closely with your existing doctor or therapist to ensure you get the most complete care possible.

What to Expect During TMS

1. Initial Consultation– We begin with a detailed consultation to determine of TMS is the best course of treatment for you.

2. Treatment Sessions – TMS is typically performed five days a week for about six weeks, with each session lasting between 5 to 30 minutes depending on individual needs.

3. Comfortable Experience – You’ll sit in a reclining chair, fully awake, and can read, listen to music, or relax during your session.

4. Ongoing Monitoring – Our team tracks your progress to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.

Why Choose Goolsby and Associates for TMS

• Experienced TMS providers with advanced training

• Patient-first approach—your comfort and results come first

• Insurance support to help you access treatment

• Comprehensive care—we integrate TMS with other treatments for the best outcome

The Bottom Line

Antidepressants remain an important treatment option for many people, but if you’ve tried them without success—or simply want to avoid the side effects—TMS therapy at Goolsby and Associates offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting alternative.

If you’ve been searching for a non-drug depression treatment in Gainesville, GA, our team can help you decide if TMS is the right next step.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Don’t let depression control your life. Call Goolsby and Associates today to schedule your TMS therapy consultation in Gainesville, GA and find out how this innovative treatment can help you feel like yourself again.