Instructions for docusate sodium stool softener say to not take it for more than 1 week unless directed by a doctor. Does that mean not to take it on 7 consecutive days or is it safe to occasionally take it once or twice per week over a longer period of time? Normally I seldom need it as long as I take my daily dose of psyllium fiber, but now and then I experience an extended period of very uncomfortable constipation and need several doses of the softener spread over a 2 or 3 week time period . I don't want to create a health risk by taking it too often, but it works much, much better for me than any other medication that I have used for constipation. By the way, I'm 75 if that makes any difference