Delayed onset chronotherapeutic formulations of central nervous system (CNS) drugs are disclosed. The formulations comprise at least one CNS drug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof that exhibits an in vivo elimination half-life of less than about 8 hours, wherein the formulation exhibits at least one in vivo parameter, at steady state following administration to a subject, chosen from: an initial lag in absorption from about 2 hours to about 6 hours; a peak-to-trough ratio greater than or equal to about 4:1; a percent fluctuation of greater than or equal to about 100%; and a minimum time cover of greater than or equal to 50% of Cmax of at least 8 hours.