An azepine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is (a) ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, hydroxy, halogen, or optionally substituted phenyl, and n is 0 or 1, (b) cycloalkyl of C.sub.5-8 which is optionally substituted by lower alkyl, (c) norbornyl, (d) bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl, (e) naphthyl, (f) 1,3-benzoxolyl, (g) pyridyl, or (h) thienyl, m is an integer of 0-4, and C* is an asymmetric carbon, and nontoxic salts thereof, processes for producing the same, and therapeutic agents containing the same as the active ingredient for treating diseases related to .sigma.-receptor. The compound (1) and nontoxic salts thereof have a high affinity for .sigma.-receptor but scarcely any affinity for other receptors, thus being utilized for treating diseases related to .sigma.-receptor, such as schizophrenia.

A method for suppressing an immune response in a mammal by systemically treating the mammal with an effective amount of buspirone that is capable of inhibiting classic contact hypersensitivity reactions.

A method for the treatment of a cutaneous, ocular, or mucosal pathological condition which is associated with an immune response in a human or other mammal, that includes topical application of an effective amount of buspirone or a buspirone derivative or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, optionally in a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier for topical application.

A method for treating atopic dermatitis, hayfever, asthma and pruritis that includes topical or systemic application of an effective amount of buspirone or a buspirone derivative or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, other than a quaternary salt, optionally in a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.