The invention-provides 2, 3-, 4- or 5-substituted-N1-(arylsulfonyl)indole and (heteroaryl)indole compounds of the general formula (I): 1 in which Ar, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are as defined in the specification. The compounds bind to the 5-HT.sub.6 receptor and are useful for the treatment and prophylaxis of disorders mediated by the 5-HT.sub.6 receptor, such as obesity and CNS disorders.