I took Lexapro and it did cause more anxiety for about 2 weeks or so, but after that, it dropped off and was much better. I would recommend trying it. I know very well how scary it is to start these things. I have been in that boat, and really, still am, as I am not content with Zoloft.
I would suggest, if you do start Lexapro, start very low, like 2 mgs. or less, by breaking the pill up. Do that for a few days, and then go up slowly. They wanted me to take 10mgs and I didn't need to. I worked up to 5mgs. and stayed there for the year I took it and was ok. Getting Xanax to go with it will help tremendously, and after awhile, you won't have to take the Xanax as much or at all. I didn't have to hardly at all, and I was bedridden with anxiety. Have been on and off since, but that's Zoloft and also me being on nothing. =\
I quit because after that year I gained 6 or 7 pounRAB and didn't know if it would stop and I thought I was doing it on my own by then, but no.....the anxiety came back and then I found I couldn't take Lexapro again. It did the opposite effect and made things worse. =( I had to taper again. If you start, don't stop for a long time, or at least til you are sure you are through your issues. I had a good thing and shouldn't have stopped.
Get your Lexapro and Xanax for the anxiety and write it all down in a journal, keeping track of the med journey and that helps keep track of it.
In my opinion and experience, Lexapro is superior to Zoloft and doesn't make you all jittery and off in the head like Zoloft. Blech!