Get Well and Stay Well — with SYMMETRY™
When other treatments haven’t worked or have stopped working, it may be time to consider a unique approach.
What is SYMMETRY™?
A Different Approach to Treat Difficult-to-Treat Unipolar and Bipolar Depression
SYMMETRY is a small, implanted device that is placed under the skin in a short outpatient surgical procedure. SYMMETRY works by stimulating the left vagus nerve in the neck. The vagus nerve is connected to areas of the brain associated with controlling mood. SYMMETRY is not a drug; it uses the natural pathways in your body.
SYMMETRY is approved by the FDA for the adjunctive treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a major depressive episode and have tried at least 4 types of antidepressant medications or other non-drug treatments without success.
What to Expect with SYMMETRY™
Procedure
The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia in about 1-2 hours. Most people go home the same day.
Activation
SYMMETRY is activated by your healthcare professional approximately 2 weeks after the procedure.
Monitoring
Your healthcare professional will monitor your progress and may adjust SYMMETRY over time.
Other treatments
You can continue to use other antidepressant therapies after SYMMETRY is activated: medication, talk therapy, and ECT.
** For TMS, refer to the manufacturer's prescribing information.
SYMMETRY™ Safety and Tolerability
SYMMETRY is not a drug.
It doesn’t cause the same side effects as antidepressant medications, such as fatigue, sedation, weight gain, and dry mouth.
It also doesn't cause the same side effects as other medication-free treatments (eg, ECT, TMS), such as memory loss, drowsiness, and poor concentration.
Most common side effects with SYMMETRY:
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Prickling or tingling in the skin
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Increased coughing
The most commonly reported side effect from the implant procedure is infection.
SYMMETRY is well tolerated and side effects were less noticeable over time. Your doctor can lessen your side effects by adjusting the device settings.
You can find more safety information here.