Herpes/Cold sores

I get cold sores of the mouth, hate calling them herpes because I didn't get them sexually, I got them from my dad who has always had them (Be careful kissing babies and toddlers) that's how I got them. Well I've had them for as long as I can remember and my dad gets this cream prescribed to put on them and he gave me a tube to use, it's supposedly supposed to make them go away faster but I don't think it works all that well because they'll still last a full week and always have which is so embarrassing and hinders my self esteem when I'm out and about. I made an appt with my doctor to discuss medications I can take that can help actually getting rid of them fast or not having break outs at all. So my question is, for the people who deal with herpes 1 or 2, what medication works best for you?? I hate dealing with them. I get break outs about 3 times a year. I just don't want to deal with them anymore!!!