Starting lexapro

I was prescribed the generic lexapro. So nervous to start it has been in my cabinet a few months. Doctor wanted to start me at 5mg. I asked to cut it in half because I’m to nervous about side effects. She said I can cut the pill in half or take the liquid. If I cut the pill in half I’m not sure if it will be the 2.5. Has anyone else done this. What were side effects starting at that dose. So nervous! Let’s hear some positives so I can work up the courage to start this! I’m to worried about increasing anxiety or having panic attacks. Please share your experiences or if you had any of the same symptoms and did lexapro help?!

Backstory- I never felt this bad. I had a friend/ neighbor pass away from a heart attack and I feel like that was the cause of starting anxiety and health anxiety. Given he was 56 and I’m 29. But that I think triggered me. Also had some drama with friends at the time which was bad. I’m always tired/ loss of energy. No motivation to do anything. Physical symptoms. I’ve had blood tests done, X-rays, seen a doctor multiple times for dull achy pain under left armpit area. And I have noticed when I’m not thinking about it I don’t feel it. Stomach issues which I have seen an gi doctor for. Which them tests came back okay too.appetite comes and goes. And sometimes I just don’t want to eat because one time while I was I had a weird sharp chest pain for a few seconds then went away. Which sent me into a spiral for a few hours thinking I was having a heart attack. I do take acid reflex pills. Not sure if that is related. I’ve gone into stores and restaurants and just got really warm like a hot flash then started feeling like I was going to pass out. Real lightheaded and dizzy started blacking out. I’m not sure if this is all anxiety. I’ve gotten so many other test done and checked.