Pyrrolobenzodiazepine and related systems. I. Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of new 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives.

Some new 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives substituted at the 5 position have been synthesized and tested to evaluate their antidepressant and neuropsychopharmacological activities. The antinociceptic action of these compounds has been also assayed. The introduction of an ethoxycarbonyl group at the 4 position generally decreased the antidepressant effect.