The invention relates to new 8-chloro-2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives of the general formula (I), wherein R stands for a lower alkyl group or a group of the general formula —NH—R′, wherein R′ stands for a lower alkyl or a lower cycloalkyl group), and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention also encompasses a process for the preparation of said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and new intermediates useful for the preparation of the new 8-chloro-2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives. The compounds according to the invention possess AMPA/kainate receptor inhibiting activity.