Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Diamox PED?

Others on this forum might have expert medical advice on this topic, but I can only speak from personal experience.

No, Diamox does not seem to enhance any kind (!) of performance. Since it is a mild diuretic, one needs to drink more water in order to offset fluid lose through urination. Frequent stops for "input and output" might tend to slow down one's hiking pace. Before taking that drug, which is by perscription only, a hiker ought to consult with a physician who knows something about high-altitude sickness (not every doctor might be conversant with that problem). Any drug can have side-effects; it pays to be careful and seek expert advice.

The only time I took Diamox was just prior to being taken up in helicopters to higher altitude on SAR missions, or when we had to do a rapid hike to high altitude in order to reach a victim as soon as possible. For recreational hiking I avoid Diamox, but am careful to hydrate, pace myself, and monitor myself for any symptoms of altitude sickness, and then take the appropriate action. I avoid Diamox completely now that I am not on a SAR team and have no pressing need for it.

I am not in favor of "Diamox popping" just in case one might get altitude sickness, as some Whitney day-hikers seem to do. Drug popping seems to be some kind of ego-boosting activity. Drugs should never be used as replacements for good physical conditioning and smart hiking.