The present invention provides compositions and methods of using stereospecific benzodiazepine derivatives, their salts and prodrugs for the treatment of anxiolytic or convulsant disorders having the side effects of reduced alcohol craving in human alcoholics and a concomitant reduced sedative, hypnotic, muscle relaxant and ataxic side-effects. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of anxiolytic and convulsant disorders in subjects in need thereof, comprising a compound, prodrug or a salt having a chemical structure represented by any one of Formula I-XXI and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.