Funny about dex. Some doctors will give it readily like my family doctor and some like my pain management doctor will not give for any reason.It is a serious drug.
Rod, I think a lot doctors just don't understand the relative merits of a request for it as an emergency kit option at high elevation. Yeah it's one powerful steroid and has some ugly side effects but, measured against being wobbly and disoriented in high, rugged, long-fall terrain, most of us would see it as no contest versus the real possibility of being badly injured or dying on a big mountain. I think it's especially difficult to grasp for doctors in the eastern half of the country who (1) I assume rarely hear such a request and (2) don't have a frame of reference to truly appreciate the dangers of a bad case of AMS high in the Sierra or Rockies.
I think you are exactly right.
personally, I think the drug is exceedingly safe in the dosages and durations we are talking about. Long term = different story. Also different in people with some chronic conditions, such as chronic hepatitis or diabetes. Doesn't mean it can't be used, means one has to know what one is doing.
Dangerous is a relative thing, as you point out. I believe the most common cause of childhood poisoning deaths is still vitamins, although I've not checked in some years. I'd certainly not typify them as dangerous, although apparently they are in certain situations.
