Hi Hurting. I am on Lexapro too. What dose do you take? I started on 10mg but I found it hard to deal with the side effects, which for me included insomnia and a very uncomfortable "edgy" feeling (felt like I had 8 cups of coffee) every morning. So I cut back to 5mg. Some combination of the reduced dose plus the passage of time and my body getting used to the drug made the side effects go away. During the first couple of weeks, I could not fall asleep / stay asleep without medication. I took xanax some nights, Benadryl other nights, and tried melatonin too, though that did not do much for me. Anyway, now I sleep fine and without meds, and have no Lexapro side effects. On the other hand, I don't know whether 5mg Lexapro is enough medication. Hard to tell. I am also taking a beta blocker, which my pdoc says is good for anxiety.
I know what you mean about cost of therapy and insurance. I have a high deductible plan so I essentially pay all my own medical expenses out of pocket. And going to an MD rather than a psychologist makes it even more expensive. But I need to get my sh** together, so am willing to pay the cost. (Thank God I have the ability to do so).
The meds and therapy have helped me. I had accute anxiety and it was all-consuming. I felt like I could barely function. It has improved a lot in the past 2 months. (This week has not been so good, but I am hoping it is just a temporary bump in the road).
Best wishes to you, Medved