Abstract: Piperidine compounds having the general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group having general formula (II), ##STR2## wherein X is CHR.sup.10, O, S, SO, SO.sub.2 or NR.sup.10, Z.sup.1 is CH.sub.2, O, or S; Z.sup.2 and Z.sup.3 are independently (CH.sub.2).sub.n, n being 0 or 1, O or S or Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 may together represent a group --CH.dbd.CH--; or when Z.sup.3 is (CH.sub.2).sub.n wherein n is 0, Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 may together represent a 3-membered divalent group; show potent sigma receptor activity. Furthermore they show effect in animal models indicative of anxiolytic properties. Accordingly they are useful as medicines for the treatment of anxiety, psychosis, epilepsy, convulsion, movement disorders, motor disturbances, amnesia, cerebrovascular diseases, senile demential of the Alzheimer type or Parkinson's disease.