Fisher Wallace’s Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulator (CES) is a sort of “cure-all” solution, which has undergone a lot of scrutiny over the years, and which has indeed received tons of positive press from various prestigious sources. Still, the actual user feedback regarding the efficiency of the device remains a mixed bag.
Now then, as said, Fisher Wallace’s CES solution is a bit of a cure-all, but what we’re mostly interested in are its effects on depression, and even more specifically: insomnia. The maker of the device claims great effects and success rates of above 70% with these (obviously linked) conditions. Before we delve deeper into the FWS and its pitch though, we need to clear out a few questions. First of all:
What is Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation?
As a possible treatment for a large range of ailments, including but not limited to: opiate withdrawal, nicotine deprivation, fibromyalgia, headaches, anxiety, depression and insomnia, CES is essentially mild neurostimulation, delivered in the shape of a small, pulsed, alternating current, which is transmitted via electrodes to the sufferer’s head.
The problem with CES is that despite its long history in treating the very conditions we personally are most interested in (insomnia and the depression associated with it), it is still not understood to this day how it is supposed to accomplish its therapeutic effects. What’s more, a 2014 study conducted by Cochrane found no evidence that CES was indeed effective in treating depression, and that indeed, this form of therapy was safe.
Still, saying that CES has no effects on the brain whatsoever would be denying evidence that shows that the treatment does in fact exert an effect on neurohormones and neurotransmitters and that it substantially increases serotonin – among other hormones, such as melatonin, while achieving a modest reduction in cortisol levels.
All this essentially means that despite the lack of rock-solid scientific evidence, CES may in fact work towards the alleviation of insomnia and associated stress-triggers. It apparently stimulates the REM stage of sleep, which is indeed one of the most difficult sleep stages to positively influence through therapy.
What is the Cost of a Fisher Wallace Stimulator?
This question has to be asked and answered because – right after the mechanism by which CES theoretically acts upon the human brain – it is indeed the most important bit of information potential users want to know.
Proper CES machines can cost as much as $30,000, so this is indeed quite a decisive factor when even just considering such a treatment avenue. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator costs just $699, (or as much as $200 less, through certain promotions), so it is indeed relatively affordable. To purchase the machine, potential users need to first learn whether they do indeed qualify for it. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator is an FDA-approved device, which means that would-be buyers also need to obtain purchase authorization. Fortunately, through the forms provided by the official Fisher Wallace site, this authorization can be obtained on the same day.
Are There any Side Effects to CES in General and the FWS in Particular?
The answer to that is unfortunately yes, though the side effects are mild and very infrequent. About 1 in every 500 users reported a mild headache, and about 1 in every 250 users reported an increased state of wakefulness after the use of the device.
The manufacturer insists on the proper wetting of the electrodes. Neglecting this aspect of the setting up of the device may result in minor electrode irritation.
The Fisher Wallace Stimulator Hype
As said above, the FWS has benefited from excellent press from some very prestigious sources indeed. According to Chip Fisher, president of Fisher Wallace Laboratories (FisherWallace.com), there are more than 20 scientifically conducted studies out there, which support the efficiency of the machine, and top researchers from NYU, Cornell and Harvard have allegedly signed off on the product as well.
Using the FWS is extremely easy, and it is thoroughly explained at the site. There are a total of 4 intensity-levels, of which beginner users should stick to the first two. If the desired therapeutic effects are not obtained within two weeks of treatment, the intensity-level should be raised to 3 and 4.
Several top media outlets have covered the FWS and have provided positive press to the aggressive marketing effort that has always accompanied this product. We’re talking about the Huffington Post, CBS, Fox News, Forbes, the Atlantic, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal and Elle.
The Controversy
Despite the generally favorable vibe surrounding the device and the concept at its core, there are detractors and complainers out there, who point to the insufficient scientific evidence concerning the actual mechanism of action, as well as to various shortcomings and alleged quality-related failings of the device.
The BBB (Better Business Bureau) page of the company behind the product, Fisher Wallace Laboratories LLC (based at 515 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022-5403), may proudly exhibit an A+ rating, but it is also rife with complaints and negative reviews.
Most of the complaints are focused on a pronounced lack of interest on the part of support to honor the money-back guarantee, but some also mention the cheap/simplistic nature of the device, contrasting it with its relatively steep price.
Fisher Wallace Review Conclusion
The FWS may not be the high-tech, cutting edge medical device it is made out to be, but there may indeed be some merit to what it can accomplish treatment-wise. Provided the money-back guarantee promise is indeed honored, giving the device a try in regards to treating insomnia may indeed make sense. Whether the advertised 70%+ success rate holds water in reality we cannot tell. What we can tell though is that there are definitely people out there who have had their insomnia issues alleviated by the FWS.
In any case, we would recommend consulting with a sleep expert for anyone who is suffering from sleep problems.
I have suffered years with Akylosing Spondylitis. 60 mg oxycodone every 4 hrs, turmeric 1000 mg, medical marijuana cbd. Three weeks ago the pain in my hip escalated to where I couldn’t walk without a cane nor lay down because of the pain. I bought the FW Stimulator. First week used setting 2 then setting 3. I still have slight pain but am walking without the cane and I again can lay down. With my hip doing miraculously well my depression has disappeared. Nothin but rave revues here
Thank you for posting this. I actually got them to agree in chat that they’d honor a refund even at $299. For anyone watching, use your credit card if you do purchase. You can report fraud if it’s listen on the site about 30-day money back guarantee. I saw no fine print, so it has to be visible. Even the agent told me how to find the guarantee. That said, too many complaints here. I don’t know that I want to take risks. 🙁 Too bad.
I had rolling anxiety attacks that brought me to the E.R several times. My doctor told me about the fisher Wallace and after a few days my anxiety slowing vanished. I am very had to convince that something this simple could work but it does. I have tried all kinds of medication that didn’t work. If I stop using my fisher wallace I again start to get depressed and anxious. The machine works for me and I didn’t expect it to. For me it’s a life saver I was so fearful at night because that’s when my anxiety was the worst. I can’t remember the last time I had an anxiety attack! It really works for me and I couldn’t live without it.
Greetings,
Are you the JR who responded to a question on Amazon about the Pegasi Light Therapy Glasses? If so I have a question for you: I recently purchased the Pegasi’s and have been using them for almost two weeks now, seemingly with some benefits re. my sleep patterns. (I also started wearing optical quality blue blocking glasses from sundown to bedtime.) Curious if you use the Pegasi’s along with the Fisher Wallace device? Thank you.
if you go to nbci or pub med, research supports ces works to some extent for the psychiatric conditions mentioned, but this thing by fisher wallace isn’t a professional grade ces device. it has fda approval as a marketable medical device to the general public, but the fda approval’s only attesting to the fact that the device does no harm to people who use it, not that it actually works for the indications fisher wallace markets it for. think of the $19 ‘laser’ hair removal lights you can buy on ebay or amazon vs. the $$$ medical lasers a dermatologist uses in their practice to get rid of tattoos and unwanted hair. the concept is sound, but the device f-w sells is $500 for some some cheap, ineffective junk. even with professional ces, sham treatments in research are often deemed as ‘effective’ as the real thing, at least for the first few weeks. so any positive claims by users of this thing are likely from placebo effect. placebo effect in and of itself is fine, but the problem with it is it eventually (and usually quite quickly), conks out.
Have you actually used the device. I noticed an immediate difference in my thinking clarity and my guitar playing was instantly better and got better over time. I don’t think it’s a placebo effect effect because I have been using for almost a year. So what is your evidence that it konks out? So what is your solution for mental illness, medication? I must say it doesn’t solve the problems completely but it is a tool I use. It was expensive when I bought it but they dropped the price for people who are on Medicare. I just think these rants against this device are not exactly accurate because the machine did make a difference for me but they state it does not work for everyone.
I purchased the FWS. It is indeed a cheap device that probably costs Fisher Wallace a few $ to make/purchase. In comparison, the price they charge is outrageous. The device does not work for the intended purpose – or for any purpose, really.. I returned it and, like many others, had an awful experience. They charged over $100 to “restock” the device. Their customer service is dismal. They are arrogant and will attempt to bully you.
I should have done more research before I purchased this cheap garbage.
I have since read more about the FWS and I agree with the above comments. The research they claim to support efficacy is, at best, very sketchy.
I would stay away from this company. They are not reputable. They just know how to manipulate the system.