RWJ-51204 is a partial agonist of GABA(A) receptor, with Ki of 0.2-2 nM to the benzodiazepine site on GABA(A) receptors. RWJ-51204 binds to receptors in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, or medulla-spinal cord with Ki ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 nM. RWJ-51204 is orally active in anxiolytic efficacy tests. WJ 51204 dose-relatedly antagonizes PTZ-induced clonic convulsions when administered orally (ED50 = 0.04 mg/kg). RWJ-51204 is effective in the conflict test in monkeys (ED50 of approximately 0.5 mg/kg p.o.). RWJ-51204 potently impairs rotarod performance in rats (ED50 = 0.12 mg/kg), and all rats given RWJ-51204 orally at 30 mg/kg exhibit sedation, reduced skeletal muscle tone, and impairment of rotarod performance.