Acetazolamide User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)
Acetazolamide has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 192 reviews on Drugs.com. 46% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 26% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Acetazolamide
- Est...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- December 18, 2017
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "All I have to say is that this pill has made my life so much better. Three years ago, this pseudotumor cerebri started after having my firstborn. I was at my heaviest at 245 lb. Ever since, I've never been the same until now. Although I deal with the side effects (sleepy, muscle weakness, tiredness, tingling), being sleepy has been the worst to cope with because I'm a mother and I have things to do, BUT at least some days I'm able to function well, and that's better than nothing. I also take potassium, which helps a lot for the tingling! I hope one day I no longer have to take these pills and finally have my life back and enjoy it! BTW, I'm 21 years old."
- VPe...
- September 3, 2017
For Glaucoma "For lowering pressure, the medication is very effective, however, the side effects are a nightmare. I get tingling sensations everywhere, dehydration, increased urine, drowsiness. It doesn't help that I'm also a teenager who needs to concentrate on my studies, so it's a miracle I managed to get through school recently."
- Dan...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 19, 2016
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I absolutely depend on this medication. I am 22 years old and was diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri mid-April of 2016 and was severely sick... had an MRA, MRI, and a spinal tap done. I do not wish this illness on anyone. I'm stuck with this for the rest of my life. This medicine has helped a lot, so I will continue taking it. I do not have any negative side effects. I take 1500 mg."
- Nur...
- January 25, 2014
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri almost two years ago now, and I've had a spinal tap done after a year of crippling, painful headaches, blurred vision, bright red inflamed eyes, and dizziness. The spinal tap, unfortunately, went wrong, and I had a spinal leakage from the high intracranial pressure, with an absolutely horrible spinal headache, so I had to have a blood patch, then put on acetazolamide. With the painful tingling sensations on my face, arms, and feet, I couldn't sleep, and I pee all night. I take 1500 mg of it, 3 pills a day, and although it's helped clear my eyes, my headaches, and the wind tunnel noise in my ears from the fluid is still very loud. I'm totally off balance, and I have forgetfulness all the time, not to mention I'm always tired."
- TMa...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- January 11, 2016
For Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis "Hypokalemic periodic paralysis is an ion channel disorder that causes me to have partial to full body paralysis and daily generalized weakness, not to mention other medical problems. Acetazolamide helps keep my potassium up (along with potassium chloride - immediate release) to a safe level the majority of the time. I have chronic mild metabolic acidosis and have had one kidney stone in the past 16 years due to acetazolamide, but it has been well worth the side effects."
- Jam...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 27, 2019
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "My doctors had me taking 1500 mg 2x a day, my headaches went away. I had problems getting the medication, so I started taking 1000 mg 2x a day, and I was doing well. If I didn’t take any at all, I would be able to go 2-3 days before getting a headache. I went about 6 months with no medication and no headaches before they started up again. I was able to get a hold of the medication, but I’m having trouble getting refills. I’ve been taking 2 pills every night, and it works, but I can feel them slowly coming back. I’ve been taking these pills for almost 4 years now, and I’ve tried everything to take care of it. I’ve lost weight, taken headache OTC pills, coffee helps but not to get rid of them—please, if anyone knows of an alternative to the medication that can help—willing to try anything at this point, TBH."
- Cri...
- July 28, 2010
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I have been taking this medicine for a few weeks now. My neurologist looked in my eyes and caught the pseudotumor cerebri. He immediately sent me for a brain scan and a lumbar puncture the next day. He thinks it was caused by minocycline, which I had been taking for my acne. I am also having to see an optometrist on a regular basis to check for vision loss. My neurologist took me off propranolol (headache preventative), the antibiotic, and all my prescription face creams. I am on 750 mg right now but will be on 1000 mg in a few weeks if tolerated well. My massive headaches are gone, the heartbeat in my ear is gone. The only side effects I have are the tingling in my hands and feet, sodas taste flat, my appetite is gone, and I am tired a lot. I have to have blood work often."
- Lit...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 27, 2014
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri a little over 2 months ago, after many visits to doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Then an amazing neurologist who finally gave me an answer as to what was causing all my problems. I have since had 2 spinal taps and have another still to come, she is looking at doing bi-weekly. But since starting this medication, I have regained most of my vision, which I had lost most of. I do miss my coffee, but tea still is okay. I have an allergy to the pills, so I take medication to stop the hives and itching, and sometimes the pins and needles in my legs bring me to tears. My face tingling makes me giggle, the twitching in my face does drive me crazy, but really it's all better than going blind or getting the shunt."
- LMO...
- May 11, 2015
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I have been using Diamox off and on since 2009 for pseudotumor cerebri. With the correct dosage, I was able to reasonably maintain my headaches. The most common side effects I have are tingling in hands, face, and feet, and dry mouth. These are tolerable side effects compared to pain off of the medication."
- ama...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 23, 2017
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "My experience with acetazolamide has been okay. I started taking it after my lumbar puncture to relieve the pressure. (I got IIH because it was a rare side effect of an antibiotic I was on for my acne, minocycline.) It has been VERY effective at relieving the pressure, but gives really annoying side effects, like tingling of my fingers, face, and toes. Like when I'm trying to sleep, my feet tingle and go crazy, and it makes it impossible to sleep. It also made me have little to no appetite, and I have lost 20 pounds in about 2 months. My neurologist told me that long-term use of this medication can cause kidney damage, but 6 months to a year shouldn't be a worry. (I am only going to be on Diamox for 6 months. I've been on it for 4 months.)"
- Ton...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 2, 2021
For Glaucoma "First of all, oh my god, the taste of soda is godawful. It started the first day I was on it. I'm on day 14. I get the tingle in my fingertips. I feel nausea and a bit dizzy, but then it goes away and comes back. Last but not least, the most explosive diarrhea I have ever experienced in my life, and I had a really bad stomach bug. The diarrhea from this stuff is so much crazier. The bowel sounds and stomach and intestine gurgles are insane, they're so loud. As soon as I hear them, I have to go destroy the toilet bowl with my diarrhea all over it. Oh my god, it does help with eye pressure, though I will say that, but oh my god, I wish I knew how to get rid of these side effects."
- Per...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 6, 2018
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was diagnosed in 2013. I was told I have pressure headaches, and I thought no big deal. I stopped going to my neuro doctor, and he failed to give me the actual diagnosis or even tell me how serious my diagnosis is. I only learned I have IIH in 2018 when I requested my medical records due to a worsening of my headaches, pulsating tinnitus, dizziness, visual disturbance, eye pain, pressure, horrific headaches, and feeling like I will live with a migraine-like headache every day of my life. I don't know about anyone else, but when you start to think trepanation (making a hole in your head) could be a good thing, you know it is bad. I am now taking acetazolamide again. Day 2: change in taste buds, carbonated drinks taste awful, cheese is terrible... tingling in lips, face, and hands. Moderate stomach pain. Feelings of lethargy, decreased appetite, generally feel unwell. My doctor advised some or all will go away."
- Ela...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 5, 2019
For Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness "Ok, so I got these pills for altitude sickness in Peru, and I got told to take one half in the morning and one half at night, two days before high altitude. So I took a half when I arrived in Arequipa, around 2300 m above sea level. With only one small half, my hands started tingling, my whole face, and my knees, and even the upper part of my back. I couldn’t even walk correctly. Now it’s been around 27 hours, I only took the half mentioned, and my hands are still tingling. It is very annoying and ruined my first day in Arequipa. I won’t be taking them anymore, I prefer dealing with altitude sickness with coca gum and leaves rather than not being able to use my body correctly. Also, it’s true, you go to the bathroom all the time, so it’s no good if you are trekking and don’t have easy access to a toilet."
- LPa...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 1, 2019
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "This is by far the worst medication I have ever been on. I’m a week into taking the medication now, and I’m struggling to sleep due to the pins and needles in my face and eyes. It’s just constant. I also suffer from panic disorder, and my anxiety has been sky-high since starting these tablets. I recommend to anyone that if you begin these tablets, then ask your GP for some propranolol to go with them."
- mrs...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 19, 2018
For Glaucoma "This is the third time taking acetazolamide. The main side effect for me is the eggy taste in my mouth, constant loose bowels, numbness in my hands, feet, and face, feeling cold, tired, and weak. I think I've tried almost every eye drop on the market, and pressures are still over 40. I'm on this medication for 2 months, four times a day. My operation is on 3/5/18, really hoping the side effects ease off soon, it's beginning to get me down."
- NO1...
- February 5, 2018
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I have been on Diamox for 3 weeks. I continue to have severe headaches, still the same pressure on my eyes and head. I cannot stay awake taking this medicine. I get up and try to sit on the couch, and within 5 minutes I’m out. I see a neurosurgeon in 3 days, and I hope he can help me. I can’t even walk properly because my balance is so off. My wife is typing this as I speak."
- Mar...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 17, 2017
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was just recently diagnosed with high intracranial pressure with no papilledema and a huge blind spot in my left eye. I was told that a spinal tap would only cause a leak since I have a connective tissue disorder. I got an MRI and CT, and everyone said they were normal except for Dr. Driscoll. She started me on Diamox, and it has done wonders!!! I can see at dark now, and I don't have constant eye pain/pressure, neck pain, or problems sleeping. I have to sleep with a soft cervical collar and had to raise the head of my bed to make sure the fluid continues to drain even when sleeping. I do have numbness and tingling, but it's more amusing to me than painful. It is difficult to keep your CO2 levels at 22, but use alkaline H20."
- T n...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 6, 2015
For Edema "Been taking this for an autoimmune disorder that attacks my inner ear nerve. We're still working on determining which one. I am pretty much completely deaf in my right ear (4%). My left one started going, and I ran to a new DR. My ENT, specialized in this area, first put me on another diuretic (after steroid injections and treatments which worked, but were not a good long-term treatment plan), and we noticed no improvement. Once on Diamox (generic), my speech recognition went from 72 to 88% over 2 months! Like many of you, it wasn't long before the side effects started. The tingling was immediate. But my DR had warned me. I didn't know what to do about it, though, until I saw your posts about Vitamin C."
- Igg...
- September 2, 2020
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "Acetazolamide is fantastic for pseudotumor cerebri! Fast relief from the cacophony of noises in my head. That headache I thought I didn't have because I was so used to it went away. What I thought was sciatica that never let up disappeared, and my neck and shoulders felt like they got a massage. I had to get a spinal tap first, and that's when the noise let up. It took a few days for the other things to go, but what a blessing! I felt the horrible side effects as I was leaving the hospital, but I knew what to do. Research. A few notes in case you need help with the side effects of acetazolamide: most medications take something from you in return for what they do. In this case, it's folate. I strongly suggest any time you take this or any kind of psychotropic medication, take a good quality B Complex vitamin. This one also takes electrolytes. Emergen-C is a good way to help that. And drink a lot of water! I'm still losing weight, and it's not all water anymore. Embrace the side effects that can help. Strong 10 out of 10 for acetazolamide!"
- Chi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 20, 2019
For Glaucoma "My worst side effect experience is lack of appetite and lethargy at times, now I have some diarrhea. But my eye pressure is down to 18 in one eye, 13 in the left, as of the last check, but the loss of appetite concerns me."
- And...
- January 6, 2019
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was taking this 3x a day, and it helped my ICP that began after brain surgery, but it slowly began to make me severely depressed, and I didn’t realize that was the problem until I ran out and went 2 days without it, and my mood improved drastically. Not sure what to do now. Will see Dr. in 2 days."
- Moh...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 26, 2021
For Glaucoma "My wife is using acetazolamide 250 mg at a dose of 2 tablets 3 times a day for the last 2 months, and I am really worried about her drop in vision and blurring. We tried to rectify with power glasses, but no success. She is also having difficulties sleeping."
- Bri...
- April 20, 2018
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I felt horrible for the first two weeks after being diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri and taking the medicine 1000 mg a day. The tingling in my hands, face, and toes comes and goes. I have had no more headaches or pressure in my sinuses since the first few weeks of starting it."
- Cal...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 10, 2016
For Pseudotumor Cerebri "I was just diagnosed with Pseudotumor Cerebri after 3 years of medical issues. Started losing my eyesight, and then they found a blood clot in the main artery of my brain. Once the blood clot was treated, I still had fluid behind my eyes, headaches, foggy brain, and no energy. The Diamox has helped the foggy brain. The side effects weren't bad, I had tingling for a few days, a metallic taste, and drowsiness. The drowsiness is the worst part because several other medicines I take cause drowsiness also. I did have pain in my joints for the first two days, but it went away. I have lost 8 lbs since starting it. I will find out at the end of the month if the fluid buildup behind my eyes is gone."
See also:
More about acetazolamide
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
- AcetaZOLAMIDE, acetaZOLAMIDE Sodium monograph
- Acetazolamide (FDA)
- Acetazolamide Capsules (FDA)
- Acetazolamide Tablets (FDA)
For Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness "I have used Diamox (generic form) at least six times and swear by the medication. Prior to using, I would get headaches and nausea so bad it would ruin the weekend trip. This drug is truly a miracle for people who suffer from the effects of altitude problems. Very few side effects that I experience. Tingling in my fingers and toes on occasion, a little tired, but not extreme. Carbonated drinks are strangely tasting as well."