A method, apparatus and system for controlling power transients in amplified optical transmission system includes, in response to the detection of a power transient in an optical signal, varying a gain of at least one amplifier to correct for a time delay in a gain response associated with a gain change in an amplifier. Alternatively, the method, apparatus and system further include in response to the detection of the power transient, adjusting the gain of at least one amplifier to correct for a change in signal power.