Abstract: The present invention provides novel tetrahydro-beta-carboline compounds having useful central nervous system activity. Further, there is provided tetrahydro-beta-carboline related compounds which are useful intermediates and have beneficial central nervous system activity. The invention provides formulations and methods for using the novel tetrahydro-beta-carboline and related compounds. Such compounds are particularly useful for the modulation of a 5-HT.sub.2B receptor.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical compound of the formula ##STR1## in which m is 0, 1 or 2, n and q are each 0 or 1 to 5, and p is 0 or 1, X is --CO.sub.2 H or tetrazolyl,Y is --CH.dbd.CH--, andZ is(i) phenyl, naphthyl or thienyl, said phenyl, naphthyl and thienyl being optionally substituted,(ii) --CHR.sup.1 R.sup.2 where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each phenyl, naphthyl or thienyl, said phenyl, naphthyl and thienyl being optionally substituted,(iii) .dbd.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2 where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each phenyl, naphthyl or thienyl, said phenyl, naphthyl and thienyl being optionally substituted, or(iv) ##STR2## where r is 0 or 1 to 3 and the phenyl rings are optionally substituted; provided that when Z is phenyl and m is 1, p is 1; and salts and esters thereof.