#45 – Diamox for Altitude Sickness Prevention

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male mountaineer with arms raised holding ice axe

Planning a high-altitude trip like the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Inca Trail? 😃

If so, you've probably heard people talk about Diamox and other altitude sickness medications. 💊

Could this little pill be the magic bullet that will help get your ass over the high pass? 🤔

Well, yes and no.

In today's podcast episode, we're talking all about medications for altitude sickness prevention.

I'll share the advice I've gathered from high-altitude guides around the world, plus a few hard-earned lessons from my own experience. 🤮

So have a listen and decide if Diamox is a good choice for you.

Ready? Let's do this! 🙌

Linked Resources

Episode Sneak Peek

  • [5:20] What are Diamox (acetazolamide) and other altitude sickness prevention medications? How Diamox might work. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor.

  • [7:42] What I learned about altitude sickness while taking Diamox in Tibet. And NOT taking it on Kilimanjaro.

  • [11:57] When should you consider Diamox? And when is it overkill? Some thoughts.

  • [12:36] Pros of taking Diamox. Why I sometimes choose to take Diamox to relieve altitude sickness symptoms.

  • [14:40] WARNING: Lack of altitude sickness symptoms is not the same as physiological adjustment to altitude. The cons of Diamox. Why guides worry about clients on Diamox. The importance of conservative decision making. Diamox side effects.

  • [19:43] Where to get Diamox. Some cautions about buying prescription medications overseas.

  • [21:29] How to use Diamox (the broad strokes – your doctor will have the specifics for you).