Herpes/coldsores; Valtrax/Valacyclovir

I recently got it prescribed to me, I'm 23 but have gotten cold sores (oral herpes) for as long as I can remember. I must have gotten them from coming in to contact with someone who has it because I got them before I started having any kind of sex. Anyways, does it work for you? I get about 3 break outs a year but my last one was sooooo bad(I'll post a picture but warning, TMI) I said fuck this I need meds because they got bad but never this bad. I got a break out 2 days ago I think it's actually working. It's not gone but it's barely noticeable. But I'm just so worried it won't work every time because I'm at my wits end with having them. I've had them since I was 11 and there's a gross stigma with them even though they're really not that bad but when they're on my face I feel so insecure and everyone stares at it when they're talking to me instead of into my eyes. So far it's working but I'd like to know how well or not so well it's worked for others! Thank you ladies.