@ancl123
Per my Mayo medication psychiatrist specialist when you go on Lexapro it is for life. It brings you back to a normal state. It can be raised up if needed but I was told would be on if for life.

You mentioned sleeping problems. Have your doctors mentioned sleep aids like Trazadone. It worked for me. It kind of stops your brain from jumping from one thought to another. There also many other medication out there that can help.

Are you working with your doctors before coming off medications or going back on them?

You mentioned stress and anxiety. How is your lifestyle? Do you enjoy any type of exercise? After checking with your doctors exercise you (the ones you smile while doing) can help remove stress and anxiety and release endorphins that trigger feelings of well being (comes from my medical doctors).

Don't like any type of exercise (I do 5 days a week of water aerobics) how about a hobby? Hobbies also help you relax and enjoy an activity with same release of endorphins.

Talk to your doctors. Stress, anxiety, cause a release of adrenaline. That is the fight or flight hormone. If you don't do something like exercise or hobby to release build up it can cause a anxiety/panic attack as body had to release the adrenline.

Hope this helps. But you need to work with your doctors when stopping or starting medications.