A method, system, and an apparatus for providing a multi-phasic stimulation signal for an implantable device are provided. An electrical pulse with a first characteristic that includes a first pulse width, a first pulse amplitude, a first pulse polarity, or a first pulse shape, is applied during a first time period to a portion of a vagus nerve using an implantable device. A controlled modification of the first characteristic of the electrical pulse is performed. The controlled modification is performed to provide a second characteristic for the electrical pulse during a second time period. The electrical pulse with the second characteristic is applied to the target portion of the vagus nerve.