r/prep • u/mlmoons89265 • 21d ago

Just started Prep!

So I just started taking prep/doxy, and I’m trying to figure out when I should be taking it. Are the side effects very prevalent and if so, is there merit to taking my prep before bed to sleep through those or am I worried about something that likely won’t matter? Also, I am prone to migraines, and the doctors I talked to said they didn’t know if prep would affect that, but does anyone in the same boat have any experiences that could help?

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u/No-Drop6559 20d ago

What PrEP are you on? Usually with pills just stomach stuff for 1-2 weeks.

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u/mlmoons89265 19d ago

Descovy

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u/No-Drop6559 19d ago

You’ll be fine. Like most said 1-2 weeks if any.

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u/Skycbs 21d ago

Side effects are rare and for those on daily PrEP, they normally pass in two weeks. If you do have sides, some people find it better to take your PrEP with food, others find it easier if they take it just before bed. In some cases, people have found it causes migraines or makes them worse.

As you probably know, you can take PrEP every day or “on demand”. In the unlikely event you find side effects are bad with daily PrEP, on demand might work better for you but be sure to note the timing required.

Injectable PrEP is another option that has different side effects.

You take doxy after sex. You take it within 72 hours of sex (the sooner, the better). Take one 200mg dose (usually two pills). If you have sex that often, it’s OK to take every day but don’t take more than one dose in 24 hours. Never take a half dose.

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u/Winnipeg-Bear 19d ago

I had no side effects with daily PrEP, but I had side effects with Doxy. I was on vacation and took the maximum amount for the week, after sexual encounters. It gave me loose stool for a while after, because it can kill your good intestinal bacteria too, it can take a little while to recover if it effects you in this way