Hi Andy,

You could try a different class of anti-anxiety med like BuSpar/buspirone. From what I've read it takes a while to become effective, but it is not addictive. There are also other meds that help with anxiety. My husband takes Neurontin/gabapentin for his and it has helped. He doesn't have a diagnosable anxiety disorder per se, but does have some anxiety associated with his depression.

As for the lexapro, it sent me through the roof with mania too. I can't take SSRIs at all, though I've never tried an SNRI like Effexor. I take a combination of Lamictal and Wellbutrin with some success with occasional adjustments here and there.