A word on Diomox

“Did you know that its used to treat ceasures and gluacoma?

and that it can have serirous side affects like bleeding and ceasures

morning sickness like stuff, and potasium shortages

i just wanted to ask if anyone takes it other than me if theve had any unexpected side affects?

so far i havent had any but i've only used it a few times.

just want to know your opinions on the stuff.”

“Some of us use other treatments for glaucoma.”

“I mean when its used for altitude sickness.”

“I take Acetazolamide for altitude sickness and it worked great for me!

8)”

“My doc prescribed it for me and I used it for a couple trips. Happy to report that I never had a problem with it. THWAAP! DULP! SPROING!”

“Same drug, different names. I don't know about using it for maladies other than altitude sickness, but I can try to explain what it's supposed to do to help prevent altitude sickness. It is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which is a long winded word meaning it buffers your blood pH. At altitude, you hyperventilate to try and compensate for not getting enough oxygen to your tissues. When you hyperventilate, your blood CO2 levels drop below normal levels and bicarbonate in your blood starts to break down to make up for the CO2 deficit. This has an effect of making your blood pH alkaline (higher than 7.4) which then leads to other nasties to cause the sickness. The Diamox stops the bicarbonate from breaking down and thus helps to keep your pH at a more stable range. Diamox has been shown to cause kidney stones, so you should drink alot of water to keep those kidneys flushed. Did I get that right, Artex?!?

I did see a climber at 15,500 ft. who had pulmonary edema. He was on oxygen, had alot of trouble breathing, and was in and out of conciousness. The best thing to do in this situation is to get to lower elevations immediately and seek medical help pronto!”

“to that I will add my 6 cents...

My main concern with Diamox (aside from the bleeding and seizures!)
is that it's a diuretic and dehydration can also cause major problems at altitude.
There are other problems with it as well, here is one quote I found on using it...

"Travelers who choose to take Diamox should be aware of its unwanted effects - for all drugs have their dangers. Diamox makes some people feel nauseated and generally unwell and causes tingling of the fingers quite commonly. These cease when the drug is stopped. Reported more unusual side effects include flushing, rashes, thirst, drowsiness or excitement. A test day (or two) of Diamox at sea level, well before a trip, is sometimes suggested. It should be noted that Diamox is not recommended as a routine drug before any ascent: many mountaineers and trekkers prefer to do without it."

Many folks get nausea and headaches above 9,000/10,000', but it doesn't not always translate into AMS or High Altitude Pulmonary and Cerebral Edema . Some people get it once or twice, then never again...some, unfourtently get it every time. Going from near sea level to above 9,000' feet in a day is one sure way to blow your cookies (unless you're used to it) becoming acclimatized can help dramatically.

IMHO, staying hydrated, pacing yourself, becoming acclimatized and eating properly can take care of 50% of the problems that many people attribute with altitude sickness.

I know several folks that are using Ginkgo Biloba to lessen the effects of altitude....the British Military is also experimenting with it, with good results.

Here is a site that has some good information on AMS”

“Another unfortunate side effect of Diamox: It makes beer taste like sh#t!

I am going to try ginko the next time I go above 12,000 Mtn. Steve. I also have read a study that said it lessens the effects of AMS.”

“Yeah, there's alot to be said about Diamox. I would get the tingly feeling in my hands and feet (very irritating), especially after a shower. We would take half the dose twice a day, rather than full dose once a day to minimize GI discomfort. I also get really bad headaches and nausea at higher elevations (above 12-13,000 ft) and Diamox won't help with that. Ginko Biloba is used by some folks, it's supposed to increase blood flow and better oxygenation to the brain, although the jury is still out on Ginko.

Slow acclimatization is probably the best way to go because of all the potential side effects of drugs used for mountain sickness, unless you've tried diamox and have not had any problems with it. The rule of thumb is not to ascend more than 1000 ft a day once you're above 10,000 ft. - a rule I have never followed (DOH!).”

“anyone ever hear of the concept of ALTITUDE ACCLIMATION”

“Sometimes, there's just not enough time in a weekend...”

“thanks for the info

i noticed the tingly hand thing i get shaky often

carbonated drinks suck on diomox

and i pee like a pregnant woman

i also get a little bite your head offy on the stuff”

“I think the thing with the hands feels cool!

8)”

“I took Diamox in the early 90s when I started backpacking more often. I started going twice a month, 3 times, then every weekend. The more I'm up there, the more acclimatized I stay.

Part way thru the first season of taking Diamox, I took less and less each trip. I realized I was taking 1/4 tablet and just quit.
I noticed if I miss a weekend in altitude, I feel it big time. That's probably why I go every weekend.

SnowDude still takes Diamox if we're going for more than a weekend. He's had HAPE four times and it just "happens". He wakes up with "rales" on the 3rd morning (all 4 times). So, to prevent getting sick, he hangs out at altitude a few days early to acclimatize, takes Diamox, no alcohol, and no medication (sinus). He hasn't been sick since.

I take Ginko every day, so I don't know if that helps me with altitude.”