diff --git a/python/sdssdb/connection.py b/python/sdssdb/connection.py
index 4b33f698..871051f8 100644
--- a/python/sdssdb/connection.py
+++ b/python/sdssdb/connection.py
@@ -276,8 +276,10 @@ def become(self, user):
                                'The DB may be disconnected.')
 
         dsn_params['user'] = user
-        dbname = self.dbname
-        self.connect_from_parameters(dbname, **dsn_params)
+        if 'dbname' not in dsn_params:
+            dsn_params['dbname'] = self.dbname
+
+        self.connect_from_parameters(**dsn_params)
 
     def become_admin(self):
         """Becomes the admin user."""