1 Month Post TMS Update

I'm Not a "Late Responder"

I wish I had better news to report, but the TMS didn’t seem to do very much. It has been over one month since finishing, and there’s maybe a 10% overall improvement in MDD symptoms. So It doesn't appear I am one of those "late responders" to treatment. After speaking with two psychiatrists, I decided to switch from 5 mg of fluoxetine back to Lexapro (2.5 mg) and taper further from there. I have also added back a very low dose of amphetamine to help with the current anhedonia and ADHD-related executive dysfunction. That is helping, but I hate being on it. My goal of being off all medications isn’t currently achievable if I still need to be able to function from day to day. Patience is a virtue I'm still working on.

What’s Next

My TMS package included nine ketamine infusions, and I’ve completed those as well. I thought I felt a difference toward the end, so my doctor recommended trying Spravato. However, it’s a new year with a new $4,000 deductible, so I’ve decided to go a different route. I signed up for Better U lozenges and will be making future posts about my experiences there.

The other thing I’ll be working on in 2026 is my overall physical health. It’s all connected. I know inflammation plays a big role in both my physical and brain health. It’s time to work on my body and hope my brain and mental health follow suit. I’ll share more soon about what I’m working on in that regard.