Kumar12:
In the “old days,” nobody took Diamox before symptoms appeared. Nowadays, most people start it a day or two in advance, but you CAN wait and see how you do without it.
Years ago, I read something in Consumer Reports that I thought was really important: The correct dose of any drug is the lowest dose that is effective. This applies to Diamox and any other drug you take. The lower the dose, the less the side effects.
People disagree on taking regular breaks. Here is MY advice: If you have a reason to stop (get food, remove a jacket, drink something, answer the call of nature, etc.), by all means stop and take care of that need. However, it’s best to pace yourself and keep moving. If you can’t comfortably go ten minutes, and preferably twenty minutes, without stopping, you’re going too fast. Read that sentence over and over. If you keep moving, you’re less prone to AMS. Moderate exercise helps you acclimatize. Sitting on your ass and “catching your breath” doesn’t.
Good luck and have fun.
