As a recent sufferer of a nasty cold, I had my first opportunity to use nighttime cold medicines without pseudoephedrine. I bought some Tylenol Cold Head Congestion and put it to work, comparing it against the remainder of a box of Nyquil that we had which did contain pseudoephedrine.
Strangely, even though pseudoephedrine is alleged to only combat nasal congestion, I found the Nyquil to be much more effective in stopping a runny nose. The Tylenol took perhaps 50% longer to work, in my estimation, although it did eventually clear up my runny nose and allow me to breathe more freely. I would also say that the Nyquil made me significantly drowsier than the Tylenol, which I view as an advantage in a cold medicine being taken before bedtime.
I found out a little more information on the changes to cold medicines after I purchased the new stuff — apparently there is an opposite handed isomer of pseudoephedrine that does not reduce to methamphetamine, and has fewer side effects. Of course, Pfizer “has not yet sought or received government approval for its sale to the public.” In the meantime, cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine can now only be obtained from behind a pharmacy counter (and only with a prescription in Oregon!) — had I known that before looking it up, I probably would have gone that route. It just seems to work better for me — and apparently I’m not the only person who feels that way.