Autumn is upon us--and that means we're nearing the season of sniffles.

And when many people get those inevitable colds and coughs, they turn to over-the-counter remedies without realizing how risky those drugs truly are.

Cold meds like Robitussin, Dimetapp and NyQuil generally contain dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant that can also deliver a powerful high if you take too much.

That's helped to create a huge illicit market for these meds, especially among teens who've been known to take up to 25 times the recommended dose simply to feel that effect.

They even have a name for it: robotripping.

With some 8,000 emergency room visits due to robotripping and other improper uses of cough medicines in 2008, the Drug Enforcement Agency is putting pressure on the FDA to better regulate these meds.

The FDA could turn them into prescription drugs, but they're worried that sick patients will clog clinics to get those prescriptions, creating more work for already overwhelmed doctors.

But maybe they shouldn't worry so much... because most of the people who turn to these meds do so because they don't have the time or patience to visit a doctor in the first place.

And that means millions of people could stop taking these meds almost overnight (or, at least, once personal stockpiles run out)... not only eliminating "robotripping" teens, but also reducing the number of patients who suffer from the ordinary side effects that come from normal doses –-including dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, headaches, nausea, vomiting and more.

Some people even suffer allergic reactions so severe they need to be hospitalized.

These meds can also contain other powerful and potentially risky ingredients--including acetaminophen, one of the most dangerously overused drugs in the country.

Many people accidentally overdose on acetaminophen when they get sick--because they often try two or three drugs at once, without realizing that they all might contain the same active ingredients.

Even worse, cold meds can reduce symptoms just enough so that people feel well enough to go out and back to work... where they spread their germs to friends, colleagues and complete strangers.

So instead of doubling up on dangerous and unnecessary meds and then going out, stay home, get some rest and load up on the nutrients that can truly help you recover: vitamins C, D and E, the mineral zinc, Echinacea and fish oil.

A little chicken soup might not hurt, either.

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