I was prescribed lexapro (escitalopram) to see if it would help my gastritis b/c stress makes it worse. the lexapro (escitalopram) made me anxious, panicky and irritable. normal?

Can happen: Lexapro (escitalopram) is an ssri antidepressant, and all ssris potentially can have the side-effects you list. They usually don't (so it's not "normal"), but everyone's different. If these side-effects are mild, they may fade over the first several days. Otherwise, talk to your doctor about decreasing the dose or trying something different.

Not Normal: you should stop the lexapro (escitalopram) and see a gastroenterologist. Stress can be a cause of gastritis but other causes need to be ruled out. A trial of acid suppressing medications is normally prescribed initially.