Does Diamox help with altitude sickness?
Sarah Oconnor
Updated on February 25, 2026
Detailed Description: Acetazolamide, or Diamox, is the standard medical prophylaxis agent for high altitude illness. The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
Can Diamox cause shortness of breath?
Diamox side effects Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: blood in urine or stools; a seizure (convulsions);
At what altitude should you take Diamox?
Acetazolamide is used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. This medication can decrease headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath that can occur when you climb quickly to high altitudes (generally above 10,000 feet/3,048 meters).
How much Diamox should I take for altitude sickness?
Prophylactic dose of Diamox is ½ of a 250mg tablet (125 mg) twice a day. Use of Diamox will not mask the symptoms of altitude illness if it is to occur. Start taking Diamox same day or the day before ascent to 10,000 ft. (3000m), continue it through your ascent to higher altitudes and stop when youstart descending.
What is acetazolamide 500 mg used for?
Acetazolamide is used to treat glaucoma, a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to gradual loss of vision. Acetazolamide decreases the pressure in the eye.
How does Diamox help with altitude sickness?
Dose. Take one 125 mg tablet twice a day. Begin this medicine 24 hours before arriving at high altitude and continue for 48 hours while at high altitude. You may continue taking Diamox up to 48 hours longer if your symptoms indicate the need for additional pills.
When should I take Diamox for altitude?
Begin this medicine 24 hours before arriving at high altitude and continue for 48 hours while at high altitude. You may continue taking Diamox up to 48 hours longer if your symptoms indicate the need for additional pills.
How effective is Diamox?
Diamox is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, effective in the control of fluid secretion (e.g., some types of glaucoma), in the treatment of certain convulsive disorders (e.g., epilepsy), and in the promotion of diuresis in instances of abnormal fluid retention (e.g., cardiac edema). Diamox is not a mercurial diuretic.
When to take Diamox?
Open angle glaucoma.
Does Diamox cause weight gain?
Will you have Weight gain with Diamox – from FDA reports. Summary. Weight gain is found among people who take Diamox, especially for people who are female, 60+ old , have been taking the drug for 1 – 6 months, also take medication Keppra, and have Depression.
Does Diamox cause weight loss?
4) Diamox also can cause some stomach pain, nausea and loss of appetite. People often lose 10 pounds when they first go on it. It’s best to take it with a meal. The weight-loss effect doesn’t last or it would be sold as a weight-loss drug.