New oxadiazolyl imidazobenzodiazepine derivatives having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 has the formula ##STR2## wherein R" is hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl C.sub.1-6 alkoxymethyl or C.sub.3-6 -cycloalkyl;R.sup.4 is hydrogen;R.sup.5 is C.sub.1-6 alkyl or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 together form a 2-4 membered alkylene bridge; and R.sup.A is C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, or C.sub.1-3 trifluoroalkyl, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and method of treating therewith, are disclosed.The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions are useful in the amelioration, mitigation, or elimination of central nervous system disorders related to benzodiazepine receptors and especially as anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and nootropics.