Common side effects of prednisone include an upset or irritated stomach, nausea, inability to sleep, restlessness, and sweating. Emotional instability, including exhilaration and mood swings, is also prevalent. Prednisone, in particular, can aggravate blood sugar levels in diabetics and people with high blood sugars. People on corticosteroids should not eat fried foods, alcohol, or caffeine products. Prednisone can cause irritation of the stomach lining and increase the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach. This increased acidity can lead to inflammation of the stomach wall called gastritis. Long-term use of high doses of prednisone may also cause thinning of the stomach tissue (stomach atrophy). The risk of developing gastritis increases if you drink alcohol while taking prednisone. If you have existing stomach problems such as ulcers or gastroenteritis (severe diarrhea), your doctor may advise you not to take prednisone. People who will be using prednisone for a long period should not start immediately after stopping treatment with another drug containing glucocorticoids (cortisone). There is some evidence that this could increase the risk of fractures. A break down product formed from prednisone called predniSONE has been developed to provide relief from symptoms of asthma and other conditions without exposing patients to the risks of actual surgery. It is available in a tablet form that provides effective therapy while reducing the risk of adverse effects.