Ketamine vs. TMS Treatment: Understanding the Differences 

Living with depression and/or anxiety is challenging enough, but dealing with ineffective treatments adds insult to injury.

Fortunately, two innovative treatments have helped many patients manage their symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life: IV ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). But are they right for you, and if so, which one? 

In the Atlanta Metro area, Dr. Karen Giles at Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions is one of the leading experts in these advanced treatments and can help you understand the root cause of your treatment-resistant depression and anxiety and navigate your treatment options. 

In this comprehensive guide, she explains the differences between ketamine and TMS, including their benefits, procedures, and potential side effects so you can make an informed decision.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

TMS is an FDA-cleared treatment for depression that sends short magnetic pulses to the areas of your brain affected by depression. The magnetic pulses stimulate and activate the neural pathways, which helps your brain’s emotional control center function better.

The TMS procedure

During a TMS session, you sit comfortably while we place a magnetic coil over your head. The procedure involves no anesthesia and causes minimal discomfort. Some patients report a tapping sensation on their head or mild headaches after initial sessions, but these symptoms usually diminish over time.

IV ketamine treatment

Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic often used in hospitals. Used off-label (not FDA-approved) and atlower doses, it treats depression and anxiety, particularly in severe cases or where other treatments have failed. At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions, we offer highly personalized IV ketamine treatments tailored to individual needs.

We administer a customized dose of ketamine directly into your bloodstream through an infusion lasting 40-60 minutes. Ketamine rapidly reduces negative feelings and boosts mood, making it a go-to option for acute depression and suicidal ideation.

The ketamine infusion process

During the infusion, we place a needle into a vein in your arm and connect it to a drip bag of ketamine solution that steadily flows into your bloodstream. You remain awake but may experience mild dissociative feelings or side effects such as nausea or dizziness, which are usually treatable and temporary.

Benefits of TMS treatment

Noninvasive and convenient

With TMS, you don’t need anesthesia, and you can drive yourself to and from treatments. A typical protocol involves five weekly treatments for six weeks and six additional sessions spread over three weeks.

Effective for treatment-resistant depression

TMS is particularly beneficial for those whose depression hasn’t responded to medication or psychotherapy. Many patients notice improved symptoms by the fourth week of treatment.

Minimal side effects

Aside from mild headaches or scalp discomfort, TMS has few side effects. Unlike medication, it doesn’t have systemic effects, making it a safer option for many patients.

Benefits of IV ketamine treatment

Rapid relief

IV ketamine works quickly. Though traditional antidepressants can take weeks to start working, ketamine often provides relief within hours to days.

Ideal for severe cases

Ketamine is especially useful if you have severe, treatment-resistant depression, major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, and anxiety. It offers hope when other treatments have failed.

Personalized care

At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions, we tailor ketamine infusions to your needs to ensure optimal results and safety.