The compounds of the instant invention are bicyclic or tricyclic amino acids useful in the treatment of epilepsy, faintness attacks, hypokinesia, cranial disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, depression, anxiety, panic, pain, arthritis, neuropathological disorders, sleep disorders, visceral pain disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Processes for the preparation of the final products and intermediates useful in the process are included. Pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of the compounds are also included.