Constipation cramps - help!

FyreFry5

How long did you/would you wait to take a stool softener/laxative?  I haven't had a BM since Friday or Saturday morning (can't remember which), and I am having some cramping from it.  I am generally just very uncomfortable and grouchy!  My RE suggested Colace, but DH picked up Peri-Colace since he didn't know there was a difference (Colace is just a softener, Peri-Colace has a laxative, too).  I've never taken anything like this, and it really freaks me out.  I'm also hesitant since Peri-Colace is a class C drug.  But I'm also terrified of what it's going to be like when I finally do go...

(Sorry if that's TMI...handle it :P) 

WWYD?