Acetazolamide in Altitude sickness
This drug (sold as Diamox) stimulates your breathing. The drug was originally designed as a treatment for glaucoma, but a side effect of increased breathing rates and depth have proven useful to climbers. It has the effect of increasing acclimatisation rates; improving periodic breathing; and helping people recover from AMS more quickly. There are some side effects. The drug acts as a diuretic and can cause easy dehydration, so drinking plenty of water is important. This drug can be useful for people who have had AMS in the past; people on a forced ascent (for example, flying into Tibet); and anyone who has AMS, particularly if they are choosing not to descend. Many climbers also take it as a prophylaxis.
Acetazolamide is not an absolute preventative measure, particularly in the case of forced ascents. A prescription is necessary, and a doctor should be consulted about proper dosages.
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The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Altitude sickness
