earthmama, I don't have mania, but I do have periods where I am much more active and sleep less. It comes with a sense that I "need" to do things. I think it is normal. I am not sure how extreme yours is...mania could be there. I think that is something you and your pdoc need to determine. I don't take xanax so I can't offer you advice there. But, maybe instead of the drug, you could get creative and come up with some fun things to do--if you are going to have excessive energy, you might as well have a little fun. What do you like to do for fun?