This invention is directed to a compound of the formula Ia or Ib, as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of formula I, a method of treatment of a disorder or condition that may be treated by antagonizing histamine H3 receptors, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above, and a method of treatment of a disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, attention-deficit disorder (ADD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychotic disorders, sleep disorders, obesity, dizziness, epilepsy, motion sickness, respiratory diseases, allergy, allergy-induced airway responses, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, allergic congestion, congestion, hypotension, cardiovascular disease, diseases of the GI tract, hyper and hypo motility and acidic secretion of the gastro-intestinal tract, the method comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a compound of formula I as described above.