Vagus nerve stimulation
http://www.vnstherapy.com/depression/hcp/


In this section of VNSTherapy.com, you will find the latest information regarding the adjunctive use of VNS Therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). You will also find information on patient identification, educational materials, and resources to help you with reimbursement. Please use the navigation bar on the left side of the screen to learn more about VNS Therapy and available resources.
UNITED STATES INDICATION FOR USE:
VNS Therapy is indicated for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a major depressive episode and have not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments.

Now, VNS Therapy gives you a new strategy for your patients with TRD
VNS Therapy is different from other treatments for depression. With a unique mechanism of action, it provides efficacy that improves over time and is sustained long term.6,7 Patients also experience quality-of-life benefits that improve over time.8 Unlike many other treatments for depression, VNS Therapy provides assured adherence and high continuation rates, as well as an impressive safety and tolerability profile , with side effects that typically decrease over time.7
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My sister has the VNS for depression. My son who is 16 has the VNS for epilepsy. so if anyone has questions that I can help with let me know.

Donna

Do you remember MeBP?
She posts here every so often....She is having this done...she tried ECT and it was not a success so she is having the implant.
Have not heard from her yet so don't know how she is doing.
She posts on the survivors of suicide forum. Her nick name is BJ.
She can't take antidepressants they all make her manic and she couldn't get away from the suicidal impulses, feelings so she is trying this route.
I am anxious to hear how she is doing.
bizi
thanks Donna for sharing!

I hope it works out for her. Glad you posted this info bizi, thank you for sharing.

Hello,
Can you tell me if the vns has worked for your sister''s depression and if she has any benefit with any anti depression medication she is using.
someone in my family just got implanted april 2012 and is trying to find out if any medication has been beneficial with the vns therapy.
thank you and hope all is well.

Yes my sister has had help with the VNS and the usage of medication with
it. She says the vns has made it possible to have a life again.

I can't tell you which medications she is on. I am not sure. But I do
know she likes the VNS.

Donna

I have a friend that had it tried for severe depression, but had it removed. It was not a chemical issue but the loss of life companion. I don't know the details more then that.

Thanks for answering me. If you don't mind can you tell me about how long it took for the vns to take effect. If there is anyway you can find out the medication she is currently taking I would appreciate it. Also did she try several different medications while using the VNS or stood with her current one.
Thanks

I'm sorry but she takes a lot of meds for many different things.

Her list will change some at times. I would have a very hard time
getting it straight.

I do know she is taking topamax for one. But that is only because
I take it too.

I wish I could help with that. But its too long to try.

She has taken many different ones. And tried many different before
the vns.


The vns started working pretty much right away. I do know that only
because it was pretty much the same way with my own son with
his for seizures.

Donna