If you've suffered from one of the many nasty cold viruses being passed around this season, chances are you've run to the store for something to relieve the symptoms. You may have been surprised to find that your favorite cold medicine was no longer on the shelf, but hidden away behind the protection of the pharmacy's glass windows.

Because pseudoephedrine is one of the main ingredients in the illegal and often homemade drug methamphetamine, the FDA has taken the bold but necessary step of removing the OTC drug from store shelves. Cold remedies are still available, but consumers will need to show ID and sign a register before being allowed to relieve their sniffles. Some customers find this annoying, but reading just a few paragraphs about the devastation of meth addiction may have you convinced it's worth your extra trouble.

Some manufacturers have eliminated the drug from their products, replacing it with phenylephrine. There are plenty of natural alternatives to drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, too. Zinc products are said to shorten the life of a cold virus, and the good old fashioned moisture of saline drops, or a hot, steamy shower can go a long way toward relieving your symptoms without any side effects. Rest and plenty of fluids will see you through the 7-10 days most colds last, until your up and ready to go again.