Magnesium citrate liquid as a laxative - how harsh is it, and what can I expect?

I just bought a bottle of (original flavor!) liquid magnesium citrate, as the doctor told me to get some. I'm having some very stubborn constipation that has been going on for two weeks now. I'm wondering how harsh this stuff is. Will it give me extreme cramps and nausea? I have to study for a big test this weekend, so I can't take something that will have me running to the bathroom every five minutes with severe diarrhea.

I'm a bit nervous about it! Any advice would be appreciated.

I'm wondering if I should just take a stool softner like Dulcolax or some Miralax because I need to do a lot of work this weekend.

Should I drink the whole thing or half the bottle?

Depending on how much food you have eaten 18 hours prior to taking the magnesium, expect many trips to the washroom.

I had to take it before I had surgery and it is a bit harsh I went every 15 min or so but I had to drink a whole bottle of the stuff. I would try drinking some water and stuff before you get some of that. I have hemmoroiods and those flared up during that time. but after the next day I was fine:) good luck hope you go soon:)

Mag citrate is the next best thing to dynamite. If you gotta go and can't, that will fix you right up. Probably won't last long, though. After you go 2 or 3 times, there won't be much left to come out.

It's a very effective laxative. It will make you cramp but it will take a few hours for it to work. Get your homework done early. Drinking it on ice will make it taste a little better. Stool softeners would be a good option after you get past this episode of constipation. Two weeks sounds like you need to take your doctor's advice and take the cit mag. After this you should increase your fiber intake and drink plently of water. Don't take Miralx on a continual basis. You'll become dependent on it.

Drink the mag citrate early afternoon. By bed time you will not be constipated. Take nothing else with it and follow the instructions on the bottle EXACTLY, meaning make sure you drink the required liquids or there will be cramping.

By the time you go to bed you will think your butt has come off.

If you are that constipated take it! Maybe start with half a bottle. You are past the point of Mirilax I'd say. Dulcolax may work, but the most effective relief will be with the mg. citrate. I'm a nurse that works in geriatrics, and I deal with constipated patients alllllllll the time. Just stick around the house, you may not go but a few times, but yes it may hit you suddenly. Usually my pts that take that will have 2-3 large bowel movements before they are done. Good Luck!