Diamox is the most commonly prescribed drug for the
prevention of altitude sickness. While it is usually effective, it should be
avoided by anyone who is allergic to sulfa drugs. Its side effects include
tingling of the fingers. Some people complain that Diamox makes carbonated
drinks and beer taste weird.
Lest You Forget: Ginko Biloba
In 2000, researched performed at Pike’s Peak
concluded that 120 mg. of ginko biloba taken five days prior to ascent reduced
both the incidence and severity of AMS. Since ginko is also known to improve memory,
at the very least, taking ginko may make your trip a memorable experience.
Viagra: Getting Up and High
Perhaps the most unusual preventative method that is
currently being researched is Viagra. The low oxygen levels found at high
altitude can cause a narrowing of the pulmonary arteries. Viagra, which
improves erectile dysfunction by widening the arteries in the penis, also
widens the pulmonary arteries.
Jean-Paul Richalet, MD, PhD, and colleagues wanted to see if
Viagra helped prevent high-altitude health conditions. Twelve men, averaging
age 29, volunteered for the experiment. None of them were used to high
altitudes.
The study began at
sea level, where baseline measurements were taken. Then, they spent a day at a
higher altitude in Chamonix. The next day, they were
taken 10,000 feet higher by helicopter to Observatoire Vallot, located just
below the summit of Mont Blanc. This is the highest
point in Western Europe. They remained in the mountain
observatory for five days. While riding stationary bikes, they filled out
surveys that checked for AMS. Half the group received Viagra, the other, a
placebo.
After two days, the Viagra group’s blood pressure began to
normalize, while the placebo groups stayed high. Keep in mind; these studies
are in their preliminary stages. More research is needed before people start
popping Viagra prior to their Spring-Break Colorado ski trips. Considering that the ratio of males to females in Colorado is about 5 to 1, this is an especially bad idea!