.beta. -carboline derivatives of general Formula I < IMG > (I) wherein R3 is < IMG > -COOR6 or < IMG >, wherein R5 is C1-5 alkyl, R6 is lower alkyl, aralkyl, or alkoxyalkyl of up to 7 carbon atoms, and R7 and R8 are hydrogen C1-5 alkyl, or, collectively with the amido nitrogen atom, piperidino, R4 is hydrogen, C1-3 alkyl, or CH2OR9 wherein R9 is C13 alkyl, atoms, and RA is -COOR10 < IMG > , wherein R10 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, alkoxyalkyl or alkenyl of up to 5 carbon atoms, or benzyl, or X is oxygen or sulfur, and R11 and R12 each are hydrogen, lower alkyl or alkenyl or, collectively with the amido nitrogen atom, represent a hetero ring, are prepared by conventional methods and exhibit, inter alia, an effect on the central nervous system and are suitable for use as psychopharmaceuticals.
.beta.-CARBOLINES, THEIR PREPARATION AND USE AS MEDICINAL AGENTS