The invention relates to benzothiadiazole compounds of formula (I): ##STR00001## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, or solvates thereof, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, A, B, C, W, Z and n are defined as set forth in the specification. The compounds of the invention have affinity for the nociceptin receptor. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula (I) to treat a disorder responsive to modulation of the nociceptin receptor. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.