10-Hydroxy-1,2,3,4,10,14b-hexahydrodibenzo-[c,f] pyrazino-1,2a-azepines

Abstract

New and pharmacologically useful tetracyclic compounds are disclosed of the formula (I): ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic salts therefor, wherein: (a) R is hydrogen, alkyl of one to six carbons, aralkyl of seven to ten carbons, or an acyl group of one to six carbons; (b) R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represent hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, alkyl of one to six carbons, alkoxy of one to six carbons, alkythio of one to six carbons, or trifluoromethyl; and (c) R.sub.5 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group of one to six carbons; as well as compositions containing these active compounds and methods of using same. The compounds of the instant invention have a remarkable pharmacological profile--one which clearly indicates the presence of anxiolytic properties with little or no sedative activity. The compounds according to the invention thus possess relatively specific anti-anxiety properties.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.