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Hi Barbara,   It sounds like you're having a very tough time.  Lexapro is prescribed both for it's ability to help depression and anxiety (usually Generalized Anxiety Disroder).  If the Lexapro is not helping with your anxiety, it is perfectly appropriate to talk to your doctor about the possibility of adding a benzodiazepine.  However, your doctor might instead consider switching your antidepressant to one that is more helpful to you for your anxiety.   Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions about the alternatives and why he/she wants to go with a particular alternative.  If your medication is being managed by a family physician, consider switching to a psychiatrist who is willing to talk with you for a complete session (30-45 minutes).  Family physicians can be wonderful, but they generally do not have the time to spend discussing the best pharmocologic treatment for anxiety and depression.   Regards,   Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D. The Stress Masters   *Jennifer Fee, Psy.D. is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds. or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Fee's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.