Altitude sickness most commonly affects travelers who sleep above about 8,000 feet before their bodies have time to acclimatize. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that helps your body acclimatize faster by improving ventilation and oxygenation at altitude. Travelers commonly consider it for itineraries involving Cusco and Machu Picchu, Colorado ski towns above Denver, Kilimanjaro, Everest-region trekking, and other rapid ascents.
If prescribed, Diamox can be part of a broader prevention plan that also includes gradual ascent, hydration, lighter activity on arrival, and close attention to worsening symptoms. Use as directed by your clinician.