Compound corresponding to the general formula (I) <IMAGE> in which X represents one or a number of atoms or groups chosen from hydrogen, halogens or alkyl, trifluoromethyl, alcoxy, alkylthio, methylsulphonyl, cyano, aminocarbonyl and carboxy groups, Y represents one or a number of atoms or groups chosen from hydrogen, halogens or alkyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy and trifluoromethoxy groups, R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl, phenylmethyl, 2-phenylethyl, acetyl or alkoxycarbonyl group, R2 and R3 each represent hydrogen or an alkyl (optionally substituted), prop-2-enyl, prop-2-ynyl, phenyl, 1-(phenylmethyl)piperid-4-yl or 1-[(cyclohexen-1-yl)methyl]piperid-4-yl group, or else R2 and R3 form, with the nitrogen atom which carries them, an optionally substituted heterocycle. They possess hypnotic, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties and, consequently, can be used for the treatment of ailments related to disorders of GABAergic transmission, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, epilepsy, spasticity, muscular contractions, cognitive disorders, disorders of weaning with respect to alcolism, and the like. It can be used in premedication and general anaesthetics for inducing and/or maintaining anaesthesia, or as local anaesthetics, optionally in combination with other anaesthetics and/or muscle-relaxants and/or analgesics.
9H-Imidazo 1,2-a benzimidazole derivatives with GABA activity.