Seeing Benefits Over Time
Clinical studies confirm that the effectiveness of VNS Therapy improves over time and lasts long term. It often takes several months to notice the effects of VNS Therapy. Many people who did not respond to VNS Therapy in the first few months did experience improvement over time.

Sometimes improvement is so gradual that friends and family are the first to notice a change. Some people experience mood improvements within the first 3 months. For others, the benefits develop gradually and then continue to increase over time.

You can help yourself by:

  • Keeping regular appointments with your psychiatrist and following his or her instructions
  • Filling out the VNS Therapy journal every 3 months
  • Thinking in terms of long-term benefits

To recognize gradual improvements, it is important to regularly assess any changes you may experience. VNS Therapy is an effective, long-term treatment that requires time to take effect and provide you the benefits it has to offer.

Be sure to continue any medications you were taking before the VNS Therapy procedure.

Evaluating your progress

Click here for journal pages that can help you and your psychiatrist keep a record of your progress over the long term. Start by filling one out for a baseline, and then complete another page every 3 months. Remember to maintain a regular schedule of appointments, and take all medicines as directed.

Evaluating Your Progress Journal Pages >>>

"The benefits of VNS Therapy for me came very gradually and slowly."

—Charles, VNS Therapy patient since 2001

Listen to this quote

 

Reference:
1. Rush AJ, Sackeim HA, Marangell LB, et al. Effects of 12 months of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: a naturalistic study. Biol Psychiatry. 2005;58:355-363.

 

    
 
   
© Cyberonics, Inc. 2007  
       
  UNITED STATES INDICATION FOR USE:
The VNS Therapy System is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age with partial onset seizures, which are refractory to antiepileptic medications.

VNS Therapy (or the VNS Therapy System) is indicated for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients over the age of 18 who are experiencing a major depressive episode and have not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments.