Though copper assists with energy production, this is only one side of the energy coin.  As copper builds up, it has a stimulating effect on the adrenals, giving one a sense of increased energy.  In fact, studies have shown that the administration of copper produces a similar stimulatory effect on the central nervous system as taking d-amphetamine.  This can be great as a marketing ploy for copper supplements, as indeed people may feel improved energy in the short term.  However, as the person takes on more and more (copper as well as activity), this 'wears down' adrenal function over time, and eventually fatigue and exhaustion can set it.  Eventually this can potentially lead to full blown adrenal burnout.  Initially,  aldosterone increased which enhanced brain activity and led to the 'racing mind' symptom, common as copper begins to accumulate.  The person might take on new projects and load their plate with tasks. However in doing so they are only further adding to their own stress and further wearing themselves out. The accumulation of excess copper presents a continual source of internal stress, which takes a further toll on the adrenals. Under stress (from any source), the body loses both zinc and magnesium (calming minerals), while boosting sodium and intensifying the individual's short fuse reactions to stressors.  In turn, with zinc spiralling lower, copper accumulates further.  Eventually the body is no longer able to respond to the stress.  If the body is unable to properly eliminate the copper, and so long as the exposure to copper continues, it will eventually lead to exhaustion / adrenal burnout, along with a crash in sodium and aldosterone. At this point the person has little energy left to do anything. The more exhausted the adrenals become, the less the liver is able to produce ceruloplasmin needed to make copper bioavailable, and so biounavailable copper then accumulates faster and faster in the liver (primarily) and brain (secondary).

Stress from any cause contributes to copper imbalance. Stress depletes the adrenal glands and lowers the zinc level in the body. Whenever zinc becomes deficient, copper tends to accumulate.

Full adrenal burnout is a significant game changer that can have life long affects on the patient.  The obvious symptom is an overwhelming sense of debilitating fatigue, often with a period of complete and utter exhaustion.  Resentment, withdrawal, dizziness, loss of libido, slurred speech, depression, insomnia, frustration, lost interest in relationships, moodiness, poor concentration, and irritability are all common symptoms. 

Beyond the obvious symptoms above, the point of adrenal burnout will cause a significant worsening of the copper toxicity condition, due to ceruloplasmin production decline.  Ceruloplasmin is a glycoprotein produced in the liver, and it is responsible for the transport of 95% of the copper in the blood plasma. As the adrenals speed up initially, ceruloplasmin (Cp) production is usually fine, as the adrenal activity assists with Cp production. However, upon burnout, this all changes, and the previously adequate Cp levels now dwindle and may become deficient***.  Without ceruloplasmin to bind to copper, copper is essentially bio-unavailable in the body, regardless of how much excess copper is being stored. This post-burnout Cp insufficiency means that stored bio-unavailable copper now begins building up even faster, adding an even greater burden to the liver and adrenals, and in turn exacerbating the aforementioned symptoms of burnout. Energy also takes a further hit. Without adequate Cp, copper is incapable of completing the electron transport in the mitochondria (where our energy is produced). In the exhaustion stage, copper is not being used nor eliminated, and it further stores in the tissues. Under stress or sudden increases in adrenal activity, copper leaks out or 'dumps' from storage, and this can heighten PMS type symptoms, insomnia, headaches, joint pains, skin rashes, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, and depression, among other problems.

***Note: Even though we may expect Cp to drop with burnout, as Cp is also an acute phase reactant, a long list of factors (including inflammation and infection) can cause Cp to elevate.  Furthermore, a "good" Cp level by itself still doesn't ensure copper bioavailability due to testing not differentiating between holo-ceruloplasmin and apo-ceruloplasmin.