What are the effects of taking DIAMOX for altitude sickness? Will it make me sleepy/lethargic?… by
I'm hiking up Mt. Whitney in a week and am planning to take Diamox to avoid altitude sickness but I'm wary of side effects.
Best Answer:
Diamox
Generic name: Acetazolamide
——————————————————————————–
Why is Diamox prescribed?
Return to top
Diamox controls fluid secretion. It is used in the treatment of glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eyes), epilepsy (for both brief and unlocalized seizures), and fluid retention due to congestive heart failure or drugs. It is also used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of acute mountain sickness in climbers attempting a rapid climb and those who feel sick even though they are making a gradual climb.
——————————————————————————–
Most important fact about Diamox
Return to top
This drug is considered to be a sulfa drug because of its chemical properties. Although rare, severe reactions have been reported with sulfa drugs. If you develop a rash, bruises, sore throat, or fever contact your doctor immediately.
——————————————————————————–
How should you take Diamox?
Return to top
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose…
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature.
——————————————————————————–
What side effects may occur?
Return to top
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diamox.
Side effects may include:
Change in taste, diarrhea, increase in amount or frequency of urination, loss of appetite, nausea, ringing in the ears, tingling or pins and needles in hands or feet, vomiting
——————————————————————————–
Why should Diamox not be prescribed?
Return to top
Your doctor will not prescribe this medication for you if your sodium or potassium levels are low, or if you have kidney or liver disease, including cirrhosis.
Diamox should not be used as a long-term treatment for the type of glaucoma called chronic noncongestive angle-closure glaucoma.
——————————————————————————–
Special warnings about Diamox
Return to top
Be very careful about taking high doses of aspirin if you are also taking Diamox. Effects of this combination can range from loss of appetite, sluggishness, and rapid breathing to unresponsiveness; the combination can be fatal.
If you have emphysema or other breathing disorders, use this drug with caution.
If you are taking Diamox to help in rapid ascent of a mountain, you must still come down promptly if you show signs of severe mountain sickness.
——————————————————————————–
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diamox
Return to top
If Diamox is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Diamox with the following:
Amitriptyline
Amphetamines such as dextroamphetamine
Aspirin
Cyclosporine
Lithium
Methenamine
Oral diabetes drugs such as glyburide
Quinidine
——————————————————————————–
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to top
The effects of Diamox during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Diamox may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Diamox is finished.
——————————————————————————–
Recommended dosage for Diamox
Return to top
ADULTS
——————————————————————————–
This medication is available in both oral and injectable form. Dosages are for the oral form only.
Glaucoma
This medication is used as an addition to regular glaucoma treatment. Dosages for open-angle glaucoma range from 250 milligrams to 1 gram per 24 hours in 2 or more smaller doses. Your doctor will supervise your dosage and watch the effect of this medication carefully if you are using it for glaucoma. In secondary glaucoma and before surgery in acute congestive (closed-angle) glaucoma, the usual dosage is 250 milligrams every 4 hours or, in some cases, 250 milligrams twice a day. Some people may take 500 milligrams to start, and then 125 or 250 milligrams every 4 hours. The injectable form of this drug is occasionally used in acute cases.
The usual dosage of Diamox Sequels (sustained-release capsules) is 1 capsule (500 milligrams) twice a day, usually in the morning and evening.
Your doctor may adjust the dosage, as needed.
Epilepsy
The daily dosage is 8 to 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight in 2 or more doses. Typical dosage may range from 375 to 1,000 milligrams per day. Your doctor will adjust the dosage to suit your needs; Diamox can be used with other anticonvulsant medication.
Congestive Heart Failure
The usual starting dosage to reduce fluid retention in people with congestive heart failure is 250 milligrams to 375 milligrams per day or 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, taken in the morning. Diamox works best when it is taken every other day
Kids' Vaccinations
Dealing with drug side effects - Part 1
How to get a second opinion
How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse
Symptoms of Serious Health Conditions
Caregiver Stress
Raising Children, Again
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor
What are cosmetics? How are they different from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs?
What is acne?
Menstruation and the Menstrual Cycle
What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Stress and Your Health
trinessa side effects
My sister is currently in the geriatic psych...
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
FDA to Post Quarterly Report of Potential Safety Issues
Good Health to Go - Eating Smart at School
Potential Signals of Serious Drug Risks
Matching Genes and Vitamins
How the Arts Affect Your Health
Living with Food Allergies
Saving Your Life Can Be a Race Against the Clock
What Makes Your Head Hurt?
Keeping Off Lost Weight
Are Your Wrists at Risk?
FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula
Hair Dye and Hair Relaxers
What is a mammogram, and why should I have one?
When should women start getting pap tests?
What are the different types of sleep problems?
What is Botox™?
Depression
High Blood Pressure
USE MEDICINES WISELY
High Cholesterol
What are dietary supplements?
LASIK Laser Eye Surgery
Liposuction
Menopause and hormones
Menopause: Medicines to Help You
Cholesterol
Depression
Back Pain
Handout on Health: Osteoporosis
Heart Disease in Women
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
HPV (human papillomavirus)
What is osteoporosis?
Sound Advice About Age--Related Hearing Loss
Alzheimer's: Searching for a Cure
Urinary tract infections
Many adults die from strokes.
Helpful Treatments Keep People With Arthritis Moving
Joint Replacement: An Inside Look
Sound Advice About Age-Related Hearing Loss
When Snoring Isn’t Just Snoring
How Ya Doing?
LASIK: To See or Not To See, That is the Question
Good Reading for Good Eating
'Nutrition Facts' to Help Consumers Eat Smart
'Daily Values' Encourage Healthy Diet
Ingredient Labeling: What's in a Food?
Mirena side effects
Exercising with Gadgets, Gizmos, and Computerized Thingamajigs
Cancer Treatment Scams
Is it Mammogram Time?
Infertility: Part 1 - Diagnosis and Treatment
Antibiotics
Vitamin D
Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age
Hey, Parents: It’s a Noisy Planet
Worried About Plastic Bottles?
Keep Your Kidneys Clear
Watch Out for Kidney Stones
Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays
FDA Warns Bayer About Two Unapproved Aspirin Products
Using Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Products in Children
Is It Really FDA Approved?
How can I use the food label to reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol
What is the difference between 2% milk and skim milk?
Can vegetables prevent cancer?
What are the facts about weight loss?
What are some of the questionable weight loss products?
Do diet programs work?
What are some clues to weight loss fraud?
What are sensible weight maintenance tips?
Why should older people be concerned about nutrition?
What are some tips to reduce fat and cholesterol in my diet?
What are some tips in choosing a snack?
Are there nutritional differences between fresh foods and canned foods?
What are tips for getting more fiber in your diet?
Why is fiber important to your diet?
Study compares year-long effectiveness of four weight-loss plans
Whole Medical Systems: An Overview
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis of the Knee Study Results
Acupuncture May Help Symptoms of Posttraumatic
Acupuncture Shows Promise in Improving Rates of Pregnancy Following IVF
B Vitamins and Berries and Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders
Can We Prevent Aging?
Tai Chi May Help Maintain Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women
Pilot Study Provides New Insight on Effect of Ginkgo Extract on Dementia
Health Quackery: Spotting Health Scams
Aloe Vera
Alopecia Areata
Grape Seed Extract May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's
Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
Kava
Kava Linked to Liver Damage
Lavender
Mind-Body Medicine: An Overview
Self-Hypnosis Beneficial for Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Questions and Answers About Aromatherapy
Astragalus
Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction
Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too
Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain
Bio-Identicals: Sorting Myths from Facts
Bitter Orange
Black Cohosh
Drinking Black Tea Shows No Impact on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
What Dietary Supplements Are You Taking?
Tips For The Savvy Supplement User:
Tips for Older Dietary Supplement Users
How do I know if I need a dietary supplement?
How can I get more information about a particular dietary supplement
Where can I find information about the use of dietary supplements
Where can I report a complaint about a particular dietary supplement?
Which brand(s) of dietary supplements should I purchase?
How do I know if the supplement that I purchased contains the ingredients
Who is responsible for overseeing the regulation of dietary supplements
Dietary Supplements: Background Information
What's in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements
Botanical Dietary Supplements: Background Information
How To Evaluate Health Information on the Internet: Questions and Answers
Calcium
Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Chromium
Folate
Iron
Vitamin A and Carotenoids
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Zinc
Bilberry
Black Cohosh
Cat's Claw
Chamomile
Chasteberry
Cranberry
Dandelion
Echinacea
European Elder
Evening Primrose Oil
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
Garlic
Ginger
Ginkgo
Asian Ginseng
Goldenseal
Grape Seed Extract
Green Tea
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Horse Chestnut
Licorice Root
Milk Thistle
European Mistletoe
Noni
Peppermint Oil
Red Clover
Saw Palmetto
Soy
Effects of Soy on Health Outcomes
St. John's Wort and Depression
Green Tea
Tea and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
Thunder God Vine
Turmeric
Valerian
Yohimbe
Questions and Answers About Mistletoe
Tips For The Savvy Supplement User
Choosing a Safe and Successfull Weight-loss Program
Key Weight Loss Recommendations
Accessing Your Weight Risk
6 Tips to Avoid Medication Mistakes
Weight Loss programs
FDA Warns Consumers and Retailers of Botulism Risk from Ungutted, Salt-Cured Ale
FDA Requires New Safety Measures for Oral Sodium Phosphate Products to Reduce Ri
December 2008 FDA New Drug Approval Report
FDA Announces Class I Recalls of Two Unapproved Devices
Generic Drugs
What is the difference between prescription drugs and OTC drugs?
Be An Active Member of Your Health Care Team
Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines
Tips for Talking with Your Pharmacist
Drug Interactions: What You Should Know
Preventing Serious Drug Interactions
Driving When You Are Taking Medications
As You Age...A Guide to Aging, Medicines, and Alcohol.
Over-the-Counter Medicines: What's Right for You?
Drug Interactions: A Word to the Wise
The best way to take your over-the-counter pain reliever? Seriously.
Aspirin for Reducing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke: KNOW THE FACTS
Five Steps to Safer Health Care
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Part 1
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils General Information
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils History
Aromatherapy and Human/Clinical Studies
Aromatherapy and Adverse Effects
Overall Level of Evidence for Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Energy Medicine: An Overview
Manipulative and Body-Based Practices: An Overview
Insomnia solution
Insomnia a Herbal Remedy
The Sustainable Path
Why Detox?
Different Aspects of Magnetic Mattress Pads
Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief
Controlling Intestinal Gas Naturally
The Roots Of Alternative Medicine
Relieve PMS With Alternative Treatments
Paying For Alternative Treatments
Natural Remedies For Common Ailments
Blood Pressure Basics
Facts To Know About Perfume
Hair Loss Remedies for Men and Women
Hair Loss in Women, Could Stress Be The Culprit?
Scalp Massage to Improve Hair Loss and Stimulate new Growth
The Truth About Hair Loss
Hair Loss - Tips for Success
Memories and Emotions can Colour our Awareness
Anxiety Treatment With Drugs
Causes of Stress
Top 5 ways to stay calm and reduce stress
A Different Picture Of Heart Disease
Mammograms Are No Joke - They Can Save Lives
Kidney Risk Spurs Warning on Bowel Cleansers
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Diet Pill Warning
Vaccines Licensed for Immunization and Distribution in the US
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Diet Pill Warning
Child Vegetarians
Food Allergies: Reducing the Risks
Understanding Antidepressant Medications
Bipolar Disorder
Can Drug and Food Interactions Be Fatal?
Is It Really FDA Approved?
Urinary tract infections
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Potential Signals of Serious Drug Risks
Dealing with drug side effects - Part 1
Depression Medicines To Help You
Many adults die from strokes.
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Top 5 ways to stay calm and reduce stress
How Do I Find Out if Foods React With Drugs?