Do those pills make it so you can pull up and just go like you could at sea level or do you still need to take the precautions and try to gradually gain elevation?
AMS prevention (directly from a well respected medical reference).
Ascend slowly — Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid AMS. Some experts recommend the following:
●If you live below 5000 feet (1500 m), avoid ascending rapidly. On the first night, avoid sleeping above 9000 feet (2750 m).
●If you plan to travel above 9800 feet (3000 m), do not increase your sleeping altitude more than 1600 feet (500 m) per day as you go higher. Plan a day of rest for every 3300 feet (1000 m) you ascend. On this rest day, do not over-exert yourself.
●Climb high and sleep low. Hike to a higher altitude during the day and return to a lower elevation to sleep at night. This will help you adjust to the altitude.
●If you plan to ski, hike, or climb, do not over-exert yourself during the first few days at altitude. Pacing yourself is very important. Minimize use of alcohol and sleeping pills, especially as you are adjusting to the altitude in the first two days.
●Staying or hiking at elevations above 4900 feet (1500 m) in the weeks before you ascend may allow you to ascend faster.
●If you drink caffeine (coffee, tea, soda) regularly, do not stop drinking it before or during your trip. Caffeine is safe at high altitudes, and stopping it suddenly can cause symptoms similar to AMS.
These suggestions are particularly important if you have had AMS or another high-altitude illness previously. (See
"High-altitude illness: Physiology, risk factors, and general prevention".)
Consider taking a preventive medicine — Preventive treatment with a medicine may be recommended if you have had high-altitude illness previously or if you must ascend quickly. (See
'AMS treatment' below.)
If you have had high-altitude illness before, you may be able to avoid taking preventive medicines by ascending slowly. If you need medication, you will need a prescription for these treatments.
●Prevention usually includes a medicine called acetazolamide (brand name: Diamox), which you start taking the day before you ascend and continue for 48 hours or until you reach the highest point of your trip. Acetazolamide speeds up the process of acclimatization. (See
"Acute mountain sickness and high-altitude cerebral edema".)
Acetazolamide can temporarily cause carbonated drinks to taste unpleasant. Other side effects can include the need to urinate more frequently, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, nausea, drowsiness, or blurry vision. Acetazolamide is not recommended for pregnant women.
Acetazolamide is a sulfa medicine, but many people with a sulfa allergy can take acetazolamide without a problem. If you are allergic to sulfa, talk to your doctor or nurse to determine if you should take a test dose before traveling. (See
"Sulfonamide allergy in HIV-uninfected patients", section on 'Cross-reactivity'.)
●Dexamethasone is a steroid that may be recommended as a preventive treatment if you are allergic to acetazolamide or do not tolerate it.
●Taking aspirin or ibuprofen can help to prevent the headache that often occurs with AMS. If you will be ascending quickly, you can start taking aspirin or ibuprofen before you ascend. Otherwise, take it only if you develop a headache.
