I definitely disagree with your dermatologist about stopping meds. There is absolutely no recommendation to do blood work when taking these antivirals either. There is no such recommendation in place anywhere to stop the medication. But if you are going to follow her advice and stop suppression, you may want to consider the CDC-approved dose for cold sores at the very start of an outbreak, 2 grams of valacyclovir, then 2 grams 12 hours later, for one day.
I would also suggest that you have these bumps swab tested to determine that they are, in fact, cold sores.
Can’t think specifically about why you might be having more cold sores but lack of sleep is certainly a trigger for many people.
Terri