One of the most common questions people ask before starting TMS therapy is deceptively simple: what happens to the rest of my day? If you need to be at work by nine, pick the kids up at three, or simply drive yourself home, knowing whether TMS disrupts your routine matters as much as understanding the treatment itself.
What TMS Involves
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific nerve cells in the brain responsible for mood regulation. Sessions typically last up to 30 minutes, are conducted in an outpatient medical suite, and require no anaesthesia or sedation. You remain fully awake and alert throughout.
Can You Drive After a TMS Session?
Yes. Because TMS requires no sedation, driving after a session is considered safe for most patients. Unlike electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), TMS does not cause disorientation, confusion, or impaired motor function. Patients can and routinely do drive themselves to and from appointments.
Some providers suggest having someone drive you after your very first session, simply to see how your body initially responds to the magnetic pulses. If you experience any unusual dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness following that first session, wait until it passes before driving and let your care team know.
After the initial sessions, most patients adapt quickly. Any mild twitching or scalp sensation during the procedure stops immediately once the session ends and does not carry over into driving.
Can You Go Back to Work After TMS?
In almost all cases, yes. TMS is specifically designed as an outpatient treatment that allows people to maintain their daily routines. Most patients return to work, school, or regular commitments directly after each session without any recovery window.
One of the most common side effects is fatigue. Some people may experience headaches and fatigue after sessions. We would recommend discussing this with our staff on ways to manage headaches (example a paracetamol prior to sessions may assist) if headaches are an issue. If you have a demanding activity or schedule we would recommend your TMS session to occur after activity. This will avoid any fatigue or headaches setting in while your activity is taking place.
As treatment progresses, improvements in depression related fatigue and motivation can provide benefits on work performance and daily life.
Common Side Effects and How They Affect Daily Life
Side effects during a TMS course are generally mild and temporary, with no long-term undesirable effects documented in clinical research.
| Side Effect | How Common | Duration | Impact on Daily Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild headache | ~30% of patients | A few hours, early sessions | Manageable (an over-the-counter paracetamol may help but discuss with our staff first) |
| Scalp discomfort | Common, early sessions | During or shortly after session | Minimal; subsides as treatment continues |
| Fatigue | Occasional, first week | 1-2 hours post-session | Plan demanding tasks before TMS sessions |
| Lightheadedness | Less common | Minutes after session | Rest briefly before driving if noticeable and discuss with the treating team so you can be monitored. |
| Facial twitching | Occasional | During session only | Stops when session ends |
Practical Tips for Building TMS Into Your Routine
A few straightforward adjustments make it easy to fit a treatment course around work, family, and other commitments.
| Timing | Tip |
|---|---|
| Before each session | Eat a balanced meal, stay well-hydrated, and talk to our staff if headaches are an early issue so we can offer advice on how to manage headaches. |
| Session scheduling | Book at a consistent time each day; if fatigue is an issue in the first week, choose a session time after your commitments. |
| Overnight recovery | Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support your brain’s response to treatment. |
| During treatment | During treatment avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and avoid non-prescribed or illicit recreational drugs. |
| Consistency | Attend all scheduled sessions and ensure you attend the minimum number of prescribed treatment sessions each week. Poor adherence to the treatment program will result in sub-par chances of responding to the treatment. Give yourself the best chance you can of responding to fully appreciate what this treatment can do for your long-term depression. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take public transport after a TMS session?
Yes. Because TMS does not cause sedation or cognitive impairment, using public transport after a session is completely safe for the vast majority of patients.
How many sessions make up a standard TMS course?
A standard course consists of approximately 35 sessions, each lasting up to 30 minutes, with a minimum of three sessions per week recommended for optimal results.
Will TMS affect my concentration at work?
TMS is not associated with memory loss or cognitive decline. Where cognitive decline may have been caused by depression, patients may find that concentration and mental clarity gradually improves as their depression symptoms ease over the course of treatment.
Can I exercise after a TMS session?
Light to moderate exercise after a session is generally fine. Listen to your body, particularly in the early weeks when mild fatigue can occur. Check with your treating team if you are unsure about exercise levels. Remember to hydrate well during the course of your treatment.
Do I need to take time off work during TMS treatment?
No. TMS is an outpatient treatment that does not require hospitalisation or a recovery period. The vast majority of patients continue working through their full course without any leave required. Adjustments may be required with your place of employment and if necessarily, we can assist with a letter to your employer.
What if I feel dizzy after a session?
Mild lightheadedness can occur, particularly after early sessions. Wait in the clinic until the feeling passes before driving, and inform your care team so adjustments can be made if needed.
Ready to Start Treatment Without Putting Your Life on Hold?
At Sydney TMS, we have designed our treatment model around your life. Our outpatient medical suites in Bondi, Campbelltown, Castle Hill, and St Leonards are set up so you can attend a session and walk straight back into your day. Our psychiatrist-led team will answer every practical question you have before your first appointment and will stay with you throughout your course. If you are considering TMS for treatment-resistant depression or TMS for major depressive disorder, get in touch with us or call 1300 177 144 to book your initial assessment, which is bulk-billed with a referral and Medicare card.
