CRF receptor antagonists are disclosed which may have utility in the treatment of a variety of disorders, including the treatment of disorders manifesting hypersecretion of CRF in mammals, such as stroke. The CRF receptor antagonists of this invention have the following structure: ##STR00001## and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, solvates, stereoisomers and prodrugs thereof, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, n, R.sub.5, Ar, and Het are as defined herein. Compositions containing a CRF receptor antagonists in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also disclosed, as well as methods for use of the same.