I agree with Tom on the acclimation effects of spending a day or so at high altitude; I don't believe that there is any particular benefit. I moved to Flagstaff (7000') in 1985 and lived there for six years. It took me several months before I adapted to the altitude. But, once I was acclimatized, I could go to 14,000' in Colorado and not suffer from altitude sickness at all. Since I left Flagstaff, the lowest I have lived is 3400' where I now am. I seldom notice altitude effects now but did when I was a lot younger. Perhaps there is something to the getting older hypothesis.

IME the things that will help you past the effects of altitude sickness are: fitness, hydration, diet and easing into it. Personally, I would stay away from medication.