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    Ampa One TMS: Reviews, Side Effects and What Treatment Is Really Like

    Written by Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of AmericaMedically reviewed by Daniel Pietras, MDPublished November 3, 2026Last medically reviewed November 3, 2026Last updated November 3, 2026

    Patients describe Ampa One sessions as quick (a few minutes of stimulation), with a tapping feeling on the scalp and no anesthesia. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade. Below are patient stories published by the maker, plus what to expect at our Coral Springs clinic. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation.

    Key takeaways

    • Sessions are short — a few minutes of stimulation with a tapping feeling, no anesthesia.
    • Most common side effects: mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade.
    • Response is tracked with the PHQ-9 before, during, and after treatment.
    • Ampa has reported early, non-randomized results: 87% response, 72% remission at 6 weeks (NRx press release, Nov 2025). Individual results vary.
    • Patient stories shared by Ampa (the device maker) are not Neuro Wellness patients.
    • You can drive home and return to work after a session.

    Quick answer

    Ampa One sessions are quick — about a minute to set up and a few minutes of stimulation, with a tapping sound and feeling on the scalp and no anesthesia. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade. Below are patient stories published by the device maker, plus what to expect at our Coral Springs clinic.

    Before your first session

    Before your first session, you will have a screening to confirm Ampa One is safe and appropriate for you. Wear something comfortable, eat normally, and bring headphones and a laptop or book if you would like something for the rest breaks. Remove metal jewelry and accessories from the head and neck area before treatment.

    Day one: cap fitting, mapping, first session

    On day one, the technician fits the pre-printed neuronavigation cap to your head, then runs motor-threshold mapping to set your stimulation level. The camera built into the coil tracks the cap so every session stays on the same target. Your first session is a few minutes of stimulation with a tapping feeling. You can drive home and return to work afterward.

    Side effects and safety

    The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade during or after the session. Less commonly, patients report lightheadedness. As with all TMS, there is a rare risk of seizure. TMS is not suitable for people with certain metal or electronic implants in or near the head (aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, implanted stimulators), pacemakers/ICDs, metal fragments in the head or eyes, or a seizure disorder. A physician evaluation makes the final decision.

    Patient stories published by Ampa

    Stories shared by Ampa, the device maker, are published at ampahealth.com/patients. These are Ampa's stories, not Neuro Wellness patients, and individual results vary. As we collect our own Google reviews that mention Ampa One, we add them here with patient permission. We do not use Review or AggregateRating schema for third-party stories.

    How results are measured

    We measure response with the PHQ-9 depression scale before, during, and after treatment, so progress is tracked, not guessed. Some patients notice a change within the first week; for others it builds over the course. Ampa has reported early, non-randomized results of 87% response and 72% remission at 6 weeks (NRx Pharmaceuticals press release, November 10, 2025) — these are early, non-randomized results and individual results vary.

    SAINT by Magnus Medical
    Watch & Learn

    Understanding SAINT® TMS: How It Works & What to Expect

    SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. These videos explain how it works and how it differs from conventional TMS.

    SAINT® is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided form of TMS developed at Stanford. Most patients complete treatment in one week — not the six weeks standard TMS requires.

    Follow a real patient through the five-day SAINT® treatment week

    Is SAINT® TMS Right for You?

    Tried antidepressants without enough relief? SAINT® TMS is an FDA-cleared, fMRI-guided treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved enough with antidepressant medication.

    SAINT® uses a personalized brain target and delivers treatment over five consecutive days. It differs from standard TMS in its targeting approach, treatment schedule, and research background. In a small randomized trial, 11 of 14 people receiving active treatment reached remission at the four-week assessment, compared with 2 of 15 receiving sham treatment. Results vary, and a five-day treatment course does not guarantee remission in five days.

    How SAINT® Works and How It Differs From Conventional TMS

    SAINT® is an FDA-cleared treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not improved on antidepressants in the current episode. This video explains how it works, and how it differs from conventional TMS.

    Conventional TMS usually means about 30 visits over 6 to 9 weeks. SAINT is five visits over five days.

    What makes it different: SAINT® uses an fMRI brain scan to personalize the stimulation target to your individual brain. A 45-minute scan maps your brain and identifies the specific circuit linked to depression. Treatment is then delivered as ten 10-minute sessions per day, with 50-minute breaks between them, across five consecutive days.

    In clinical trials, 79% of participants reached remission, with an average of 2.6 days to remission. SAINT is generally well tolerated; the most common side effects reported were mild headache and temporary scalp discomfort at the treatment site.

    SAINT® at Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America

    Coral Springs, Florida
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    Call or Text: 954-827-9793

    Sources: Cole et al., American Journal of Psychiatry 2020;177:716-726 and 2022;179(2):132-141. magnusmedical.com/depression-therapy. PubMed 34711062. FDA 510(k) K220177.

    Insurance coverage for SAINT is currently limited and varies by plan. Individual results may vary. This video is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about whether SAINT is appropriate for you. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does Ampa TMS hurt?

    Most patients feel a tapping sensation on the scalp during stimulation, not pain. The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort that usually fades as the session goes on. Ampa One sessions are short — a few minutes of stimulation — which can make them more comfortable than longer conventional sessions. No anesthesia is used, and you can drive home afterward.

    What are the side effects of Ampa One?

    The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade during or after the session. Less commonly, patients report lightheadedness. As with all TMS, there is a rare risk of seizure. TMS is not suitable for people with certain metal or electronic implants in or near the head, pacemakers/ICDs, or a seizure disorder. A physician evaluation decides if it is safe for you.

    How soon will I feel better?

    Response varies. Some patients notice a change within the first week; for others it builds over the course. We measure response with the PHQ-9 depression scale before, during, and after treatment so progress is tracked, not guessed. Ampa has reported early, non-randomized results of 87% response and 72% remission at 6 weeks (NRx Pharmaceuticals press release, November 2025) — these are early results and individual results vary.

    Is Ampa TMS safe?

    Ampa One is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder in adults. TMS is non-invasive — no surgery, no anesthesia. The most common side effects are mild and temporary. The serious risks are rare and include seizure. Safety is screened before treatment: certain implants, pacemakers/ICDs, metal in the head or eyes, or a seizure disorder may make TMS unsafe for you. A physician evaluation makes the final decision.

    What do patients say about Ampa One?

    Patients describe Ampa One sessions as quick, with a tapping feeling on the scalp and no anesthesia. Stories shared by Ampa, the device maker (at ampahealth.com/patients), are not Neuro Wellness patients and individual results vary. As we collect our own Google reviews that mention Ampa One, we add them here with patient permission.

    Cited Research

    1. 1. Ampa Inc. Patient stories. ampahealth.com/patients (accessed November 3, 2026).
    2. 2. NRx Pharmaceuticals. Press release on Ampa One early results (November 10, 2025).

    Important Safety Information

    Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed. Coverage varies by plan. Ampa One is available by prescription after a clinical evaluation. Common side effects include mild scalp discomfort and headache that usually fade. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

    SAINT® is delivered only by verified providers on the Magnus Medical system. Programs described as SAINT “alternatives”, “equivalents” or “fMRI-guided accelerated TMS” are not SAINT®, are not affiliated with us, and SAINT® results do not apply to them. Read our SAINT® disclaimer.

    See if Ampa One is a fit, free

    Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.

    Ampa and Ampa One are trademarks of Ampa Inc. Neuro Wellness TMS Centers of America is an independent provider and is not owned by Ampa.

    Safety information: SAINT® is not for everyone. It is contraindicated for people with non-removable magnetic-sensitive metal in or near the head, certain implanted devices, or increased intracranial pressure. Possible side effects include headache, fatigue, scalp discomfort and anxiety; TMS carries a small risk of seizure and, as with any depression treatment, a risk of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

    SAINT® is a registered trademark of Stanford University, exclusively licensed to Magnus Medical, Inc. NWCOA is not affiliated with Stanford University.