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Abstract Background Seizure duration in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is positively related with patients’ outcome. This study sought to investigate the impact of anesthetic management on seizure duration, and the impact of selected drugs (theophylline, remifentanil, S-ketamine) on seizure duration. Methods Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing ECT at our institution from January 2011 to April 2012 was performed based on electronic medical chart and review of existing quality improvement data. Patient data (N = 78), including gender, age, height, weight, and administered drugs, energy levels, and electroencephalic seizure duration were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear model. Results A total of 78 patients (male = 39, female = 39, age 51 ± 12 years) were included. Average number of session was 10 ± 6 (1–30). In our patient population, theophylline administration was the only parameter, which significantly prolonged seizure duration, whereas S-ketamine, remifentanil, thiopental, age, sex, session or energy level had no significant effect. Conclusion Theophylline can be a useful adjunct for patients with inadequate seizure duration. If there is a concomitant beneficial effect on patients’ outcome needs to be investigated in further studies.