I am standing on the shoulders of the many related "ad d'lo yada" questions but am particularly inspired by this question and a particular comment.
"If I'm drunk I'm patur from davening. So what's the problem? I'm patur! – Double AA♦ Feb 15 '13 at 20:13"
I assume that this refers to the notion that one who is busy with a mitzvah is exempted from the obligation to fulfill other mitzvot (which, I know, has many subtleties).
I am currently under a doctor's care and have some pills to take (full disclosure -- I just took one) and the side effects include
The most frequently observed adverse reactions include drowsiness lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and constipation
most of which would make me feel incapable of speaking in front of a distinguished person, as per the citation in this answer (and, as it is not Purim, I cannot use the exception which that citation allows).
But I take it because I am told to by my doctor, and guarding my well being is an obligation on its own, as written here:
Q: Is it a Mitzvah to take medicine which a doctor prescribed me? A: Yes. The Torah commands "And he shall surely heal him." It is a Mitzvah to be healed by a doctor (Baba Kama 85a).
Not asking for a psak, but just for insight into the potential for a contradiction. I understand that all these side effects don't always happen and if one is not remotely incapacitated, there is less concern regarding prayer but I wonder -- do these two notions come into conflict? Is one who consistently feels a side effect then possibly patur from the obligation to daven for the duration of a medical treatment?
If my assumptions are incorrect, please correct me. TIA.