.beta.-Carbolines of general Formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 is ##STR2## or --COOR", wherein R' is C.sub.1-3 alkyl or C.sub.3-6 cycloalkyl and R" is C.sub.1-4 alkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or methoxymethyl; and R.sup.A is ##STR3## wherein X is C.sub.1-12 straight-chain, branched-chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl or a corresponding alkyl group with a CH.sub.2 -group substituted by a carbonyl group and R"" is one or more of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-3 alkoxy, C.sub.1-5 acyloxy, phenyl, C.sub.2-5 alkylenedioxy, trifluoromethyl, nitrilo, nitro or --NR.sup.IV R.sup.V wherein R.sup.IV and R.sup.V, which can be the same or different are hydrogen, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, C.sub.1-5 acyl or phenyl, or collectively with the amido nitrogen atom form a 3- to 6-membered hetero ring, which are prepared conventionally by esterifying a corresponding compound wherein R.sup.A is H or R.sup.3 is --COOH, exhibit effects on the central nervous system and can be used as psychorharmaceuticals.