Drugs can impact the postsynaptic cell by regulating the number of postsynaptic receptors. These drugs can up- or down-regulate the number of receptors for transmitters, this changing the sensitivity of the synapse.

Drugs regulating the number of postsynaptic receptors

Some drugs can impact postsynaptic transmitters by directly altering intracellular signals such as the activation of second messengers, activation of genes, and the production of various proteins.

Drugs modulating intracellular signals postsynaptically

When they bind to their matching receptor membranes, neurotransmitters can stimulate a variety of changes within the postsynaptic cell. Examples of this include: 
- regualtion of the number of postsynaptic receptors 
- modulation of intracellular signals

Bowdoin College

One way drugs can change synaptic transmission is by modifying the activity of the postsynaptic cell. There are two major classes of postsynaptic drug actions: 
- direct effect on transmitter receptors
- effects on cellular processes within postsynaptic cell

Drugs altering postsynaptic events

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Drugs can effects post synaptic events by directly effecting transmitter receptors. This can occur through:
- blockade of receptors
- activation of receptors

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