There are disclosed compounds of the formula <IMAGE> wherein X is O, S or NHR3, wherein R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or cycloalkyl; R is loweralkyl, loweralkoxy, aralkoxy of up to 10 carbon atoms or NR4R5 wherein R4 and R5 are, independently, hydrogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aminoalkyl; or R is alkoxymethyl or hydroxymethyl; n is one of the integers 2, 3 or 4; R1 and R2 are, independently, hydrogen, halo, nitro, cyano, SCH3, or NR6R7, NHCOR6, COOR6, OR6 or SO2NR6R7 wherein R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen or loweralkyl; and their activity as anticonvulsants, having use in the treatment of epileptic conditions.
 beta -Carboline anticonvulsants