marco:

As conducted with a sample size of one over a scientifically significant 4-day trial:

New Sudafed (phenylephrine)

• 
  Pros: No side effects.


• 
  Cons: Doesn't work.

Meth Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)

• 
  Pros: Works great. Can breathe through both nostrils for most of the day.


• 
  Cons: Dizzy, dazed, can't do much else except lie on the couch while breathing clearly through both nostrils.

Tylenol

• 
  Pros: Works moderately. Generally mutes some of the unpleasant effects of having a cold, such as minor aches and a slight fever.


• 
  Cons: Limited in scope. Doesn't completely fix anything.

Natural stuff (vitamin C, zinc, herbal "remedies", etc.)

• 
  Pros: No side effects.


• 
  Cons: No effects.

Coffee

• 
  Pros: Actually works as a mild decongestant and a general feel-a-bit-better drug in small doses.


• 
  Cons: Effects are short-lived.

Letting your body do its job for a few days

• 
  Pros: No side effects. Actually works.


• 
  Cons: No drug companies or natural-remedy slingers make any money off of you.

I have a much better understanding of the over-the-counter pharmaceutical industry now.