Changing Flat Bar for Drop Bars

I have a road bike that I bought a couple years ago that has flat bars because I was using it to commute to work and wanted a good upright position to see above traffic as I rode. I now am more on paths and was considering switching to drop bars. (one of the caps and the bar extenders actually popped off in a wreck so I know I have to do something since I can't race with an open tube).

Does anyone know how labor intensive this is? I imagine it is pretty difficult because of the change impacting brakes and shifters? Also really hoping this might help increase my bike speed. For a controlled race pace I seem to be stuck at about 16.5 MPH. Hoping a more aerodynamic position might help me increase.

As a reference this is my bike: http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/novara-express-bike-2009-reviews