I actually prefer magnesium citrate to laxatives. It draws water into the intestines. It pretty much liquifies whatever is in there, it took 3 hours to work, I went to the bathroom like 4 times, it was watery, but I didn't cramp, have gas or even have an urgency to go. It tastes kind of funky, but half the bottle did the trick for me after not going for 6 days. Hope you are back to normal now.