I've used Diamox a few times before, and it's helped and I was a big fan at first. However, I've found that the side effect outweighs the benefit sometimes, mainly the frequent need to urinate. I keep a few pills if I'm going to be in the Sierra as a backup, but not as a preventative medicine.
I've recently taken CoQ10 with some good results. I don't know if it'll work for you but it's worth a try. Available at your local Costco or online through Amazon:
http://www.costco.com/Qunol%E2%84%A2-Mega-CoQ10-100-mg-Ubiquinol,-120-Softgels.product.11630572.html
Good to know; thank you. When you keep it with you as a preventative, at what point would you consider taking it?
What does the CoQ10 do? I've heard that Gingko Biloba is another herbal option.
I've had AMS and mild cases of edema before to the point where I could only take about 5 steps before having to stop and breathe, and this was one flat ground, or I start gurgling when breathing. I'm well aware of the symptoms and my body's reaction. First sign for me is a small tingling headache in the back of my head and loss of appetite. I will take it at that point. It has helped me when I've had large headaches before. This is not a cure. If you have a mild case, the Diamox may help you get over the hump and acclimate. If it's bad, it'll only buy you some time to get the hell off the mountain.
CoQ10 is an enzyme that supposedly helps your heart and other bodily functions. I read that it helps with altitude issues and tried it. It has not been a 100% success for me, but I've found it helps me. YMMV.
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/tc/coenzyme-q10-topic-overview
