It isn't possible to answer all your queries because all ADs react differently on different people and what suits one, does not suit another. Some have a more sedative affect than others, but again this varies with individuals. You don't say what your symptoms are, but hope they will "sort your life out" ADs only treat the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and not the underlying causes. To help uncover some of these issues, you will need counselling or therapy of some sort.
The best thing you can do is go to your GP - telling him/her your symptoms and taking advice accordingly. Most GPs now like to prescribe the newer ADs - they are called SSRIs because they have fewer side effects than the older ones, but again this varies between individuals. As for addiction I don't think you should worry. Addiction means that you crave more and more of the drug and this does not happen with ADs though if you are on them for a significant amount of time, you can become dependent on them, though this is rare.
As for coming off them, again you will need to take advice from your GP - they have to be reduced gradually.
Sorry can't be more helpful - I think one of the frustrations of mental illness is that the drugs (which can be very effective) act differently on different people and sometimes one that has suited in the past, does not do so in another episode of depression, so it's all a bit trial and error I'm afraid.
However if you are seriously depressed they can be a life saver.