The present invention contemplates novel neurosteroid derivative compounds, such as derivatives of ganaxolone and allopregnanolone, having improved solubility and bioavailability. The novel neurosteroid derivative compounds are characterized by the following formulas:wherein R1 is methyl or hydrogen, R2 is an ester function (R—；C(O)O—；), R3 is hydrogen, R4 is alpha or beta hydrogen, R5 is R—；CO—； or any hydrocarbon structure (R—；), and wherein R (in R2 or R5) is independently selected from any structure comprising 10 carbon atoms or fewer, which is linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, may comprise cyclic or aromatic functions within the structure, and wherein R contains no more than 1 OH or NR2, or 2 ether or thioether functions.
