Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Fact Sheet

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Fact Sheet for General Psychiatry

November 3, 2025

Daniel Carlat, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Dr. Carlat and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

Due to its longer half-life, clonazepam causes fewer breakthrough symptoms compared to alprazolam when used for anxiety. May also work as a good short-term hypnotic, although development of dependence and long half-life limit this use.

Fact Sheet

Buspirone (BuSpar) Fact Sheet for General Psychiatry

November 3, 2025

Daniel Carlat, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Dr. Carlat and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

Buspirone is a reasonable option in anxious patients for whom benzodiazepines are not appropriate. Don’t expect as robust a response, and make sure patients know it may take a week or two to kick in.

Fact Sheet

Alprazolam (Xanax) Fact Sheet for General Psychiatry

November 3, 2025

Daniel Carlat, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Dr. Carlat and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

Alprazolam is fast-acting and effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, but its short duration of action may contribute to breakthrough symptoms between doses and make withdrawal more difficult.

Fact Sheet

Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Medications General Tips on Psychopharmacology

November 3, 2025

Daniel Carlat, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Dr. Carlat and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

Although antidepressants are arguably the most effective medications for anxiety disorders, in this chapter, we focus on benzodiazepines and other drugs used specifically for symptoms of anxiety or anxiety disorders.

Algorithm

Anxiety Disorders Treatment Algorithm

November 3, 2025

Daniel Carlat, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Dr. Carlat and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.
Full Fact Sheet Editorial Information

Anxiety treatment algorithm

Clinical Update

Pain and Opioid Use in Older Adults

July 1, 2025

Shireen Wissa, PharmD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Shireen Wissa, PharmD candidate. Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, CA.

Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP. Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, CA.

Ms. Wissa and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Age-related changes affect opioid metabolism and increase fall risk in older adults. Learn evidence-based approaches to pain management, safer prescribing practices, and deprescribing strategies while managing drug interactions and side effects.

Risks in Older Adults

Insomnia and Sleep Medications

April 1, 2025

Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP and Shireen Wissa, PharmD

Shireen Wissa, PharmD candidate and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP. Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, CA.

Ms. Wissa and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Examining the long-term impacts of common sleep aids in older adults should urge a rethinking of prescribing practices.

News of Note

News of Note: Donanemab Gains FDA Approval for Early Alzheimer’s Treatment

October 1, 2024

Stephanie Collier, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Stephanie Collier, MD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD. Dr. Collier and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

The FDA recently approved donanemab for early Alzheimer’s, offering new hope by slowing cognitive decline.

Clinical Update

Considerations in Prescribing Lithium in Older Adults

October 1, 2024

Shireen Wissa, PharmD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Shireen Wissa, PharmD Candidate 2025. Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, CA.

Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP. Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy, Claremont, CA.

Ms. Wissa and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

Smart dosing and vigilant monitoring can turn the often-feared lithium into a safe, effective solution for older adults.

Risks in Older Adults

Antidepressants and Hyponatremia

April 1, 2024

Heather Robles, PharmD and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP

Heather Robles, PharmD candidate, and Talia Puzantian, PharmD, BCPP. Ms. Robles and Dr. Puzantian have no financial relationships with companies related to this material.

A brief review of hyponatremia including medications that cause it, symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent and treat this common side effect.