Hey guys,
I'm new here, and have been reading up on a lot of the information already posted regarding Diamox. Super helpful! Thanks so much everyone who has already posted, you guys are awesome.
I'm actually heading to climb Whitney this Saturday, and I'm thinking seriously about taking Diamox. Last summer I got hit real hard with AMS on a trip in Kings Canyon. This past week I climbed Mt. Baldy (~10000 elevation) and starting getting a mild headache near the top that got more severe over time. I fear that without Diamox I might not have a chance at making Whitney.
My first question:
If you are taking Diamox, do you guys know if you shouldn't mix it with ibuprofen? I know ibuprofen and aspirin is also used to fight altitude sickness, but if I'm already taking Diamox is there a risk in mixing these two?
Second question:
I've seen that Dr. Peter Hackett is a pro at this stuff. Has anyone seen a doctor in the Los Angeles area with good knowledge of AMS and Diamox? If not, would you recommend pretty much just talking to any general physician?
Again thanks a ton! I tried to scan through the previous posts so I apologize if I missed some info and am asking repetitive questions.
I am a physician in LA, and your best bet would be an Urgent Care Center. Should be in and out in a short time. You might call ahead to confirm that the physician is willing to prescribe Diamox (you actually want the generic, acetazolamide), before you go.
You appear to be at risk, and a good candidate for diamox. I'd start taking it wed nite, 60ish Mg once a day at bedtime.
I'd generally consider IB ok to take for a mild-moderate HA, myself. Beyond that, stop.
Caution is advised for patients receiving dual high-dose aspirin and Acetazolamide, as coma and death have been reported.
Another effective technique advocated by many veterans, is to stop every hour and sit down for 10-15 minutes, it really matters, and is a great opportunity to hydrate, as well.
Hydration is very important....not because it is related to getting AMS, but the syptoms can be similar, and it can create confusion.
