Getting Diamox in UK

[Harry]

Take Garlic soup:sherpas swear by it.
Ginko biloba is also supposed to be good.

[Bruce]

I have done the Circuit twice (and other treks) and I find Diamox useful
to help you sleep better at high altitudes i.g. High Camp. Obviously you
do have to acclimatize properly. It is not correct that Diamox "masks"
AMS. So take your time and enjoy your trek!

[rich]

further to my blurb above

drinking copiously will help acclimitisation. that means litres upon litres...

the way diamox works as a diuretic acidifies the blood and as you will be peeing alot more you will have to drink even more to counter is dehydrating effects.

most decent/high grade trekking company-run treks will have as much fluid available at meal times as you could possibly need.

for the independant backpacker getting enough fluid intake can be difficult even when your not taking diamox.

tingling lips, finger, and toes are a harmless side-effect.

there is a deeper arguement that people with some history of AMS might take diamox as a form of prevention. ie: the benefits outweigh the risks.

anyway constant hydration will help you on the way.

by the way - beer and coke will taste horrible if your taking diamox.

r.

[rich]

and finally...i promise

as you are breathing more intensly at altitude you lose more moisture through respiration in the thin, dry air.

the colour of your urine will tell you if you are well hydrated.

if its clear then you are doing well. if its yellow or orangy than you need to be drinking more. same probably applies at sea level.