"Osmotic laxatives, including magnesium citrate and magnesium hydroxide, may produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Others may not take effect for 24–48 hours. Stimulant laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Senna, may take 6–12 hours. Stool softeners, such as Docusate, may take 24–48 hours."
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/32262...
help with preventing constipation:
"Hydration
Drink 48–64 ounces (6–8 cups) of water per day, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you and make constipation worse. You can also try drinking warm liquids, especially in the morning, or warm prune juice.
Exercise
Try to exercise regularly, preferably every day. Abdominal muscle movement can help activate your digestive system, so moderately strenuous exercises like walking, swimming, or light weightlifting may help."

When to use a stool softener vs. Laxative

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322621

FIGS, artichoke hearts,

Stool softener works great for me.

OK, OK hold on Don help is on the way 😄 I don't normally go quickly butt here goes ! .......... I take 1 sachet of Orange Laxido mixed in 1/4 of a glass of weak squash every day and if there be no movement or tumultuous awakening I take a second. More than 3 a day and you risk putting Mount Etna to shame. Also keep hydrated , walk / shuffle as much as you can. Eat bananas.

I was having a horrible problem with that and I started eating crystallized ginger. You can get it with sugar on it or you can get it with very little sugar on it or no sugar on it but extreme amount of fiber really helps. Keep you going wonderful for nausea and upset stomach.