Can I Drive and Work During SAINT® TMS?
Yes, in most cases. SAINT® TMS is delivered while the patient is awake and does not use anesthesia or sedation, so patients are generally permitted to drive after sessions. However, the five-day schedule requires being at the clinic for most of each day, so working a full schedule during treatment week is usually not practical. Many patients work remotely between sessions or take the week off.
Key takeaways
- SAINT® does not use anesthesia, so driving after sessions is usually permitted.
- The five-day schedule requires being at the clinic for most of each day.
- Working remotely between sessions is common and feasible.
- A full work schedule during treatment week is usually not practical.
- If a side effect like significant headache occurs, do not drive until it resolves.
Driving After SAINT® Sessions
Because SAINT® does not involve anesthesia or sedation and does not impair alertness, patients are generally permitted to drive themselves to and from the clinic. This is one of the main practical differences between SAINT® (and TMS generally) and treatments like ECT or SPRAVATO®, which require an escort.
If you experience a side effect that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a significant headache, dizziness, or sedation — tell the treatment team and do not drive until the symptom resolves. A companion is optional, not required.
Working During Treatment Week
The five-day SAINT® schedule requires being at the clinic for most of each day, with ten sessions separated by roughly 50-minute breaks. This makes a full work schedule impractical during treatment week. However, many patients work remotely between sessions — the breaks are long enough to check email, take calls, or do focused work.
Some patients take the entire week off. If you are traveling from out of town, the treatment week is typically the only time you need to be in Coral Springs. Pre-treatment evaluation and the MRI can often be arranged before you arrive.
Can Someone Travel With Me?
Yes. A family member, friend, or caregiver can accompany you during the treatment week. While not required for medical reasons, having a companion can provide emotional support and practical help, especially if you are traveling from out of town. The clinic can provide information about nearby accommodations.
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 is the only FDA-cleared depression treatment that uses an fMRI 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
Can I drive after SAINT TMS treatment?
Yes, in most cases. SAINT® does not use anesthesia or sedation and does not impair alertness, so patients are generally permitted to drive after sessions. If you experience a side effect like a significant headache or dizziness, tell the treatment team and do not drive until it resolves.
Can I work during SAINT treatment week?
Working remotely between sessions is common and feasible — the 50-minute breaks are long enough for email, calls, or focused work. A full in-person work schedule is usually not practical because you are at the clinic for most of each day. Many patients take the week off or work part-time remotely.
Can someone travel with me for SAINT?
Yes. A family member, friend, or caregiver can accompany you during the treatment week. While not medically required, a companion can provide support and practical help, especially if you are traveling from out of town. The clinic can recommend nearby accommodations.
Do I need someone to drive me home after SAINT?
No, a driver is not required. SAINT® does not use anesthesia or sedation, so patients can typically drive themselves. This differs from SPRAVATO® (esketamine) and ECT, which both require an escort home after each session.
Can I fly after SAINT treatment?
There are no specific flight restrictions after SAINT® treatment. Because the treatment is non-invasive and does not involve anesthesia, patients can typically fly after completing the five-day course. If you are traveling from out of state, discuss your travel plans with the treatment team during your consultation.
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.
Have questions about whether TMS may be appropriate for you?
Speak with our clinical team. A free consultation is the best way to get answers specific to your situation.
Related Patient Education
SAINT® Accelerated TMS
The 5-day, fMRI-guided protocol offered at our clinic
What Is SAINT® TMS?
FDA clearance, protocol, and evidence
Find a Verified SAINT® Provider
How to verify a SAINT® provider
What Happens During SAINT®
Day-by-day guide to the five-day protocol
SAINT® vs Traditional TMS
How SAINT compares to standard TMS
Schedule a Consultation
Book a free consultation with our clinical team